French
At Oxley, we want learning French to be enjoyable, lively and rewarding. Your child will take part in games, songs, videos and interactive activities that bring the language to life. By regularly hearing and practising authentic French pronunciation, children begin to speak with increasing confidence and accuracy from the very start.
Lessons are carefully planned around engaging topics, with clear learning goals. Knowledge and skills are built step by step so that children can revisit what they have learnt, make connections and develop a secure understanding of the language over time.
How your child will learn French
Our French curriculum focuses on three important areas:
Phonics – French sounds
Children explore how sounds and letters work in French through a carefully planned sequence of learning. They begin with individual sounds before recognising and using them in familiar words, sentences and short texts. New sounds are introduced as children progress through the school, helping them become increasingly confident in their pronunciation.
Vocabulary – French words
New vocabulary is introduced in a natural and memorable way through songs, games, conversations and speaking activities. Children are encouraged to revisit words regularly and use them in a variety of situations, helping their vocabulary grow year by year.
Grammar – building sentences
At first, children begin to understand French grammar naturally through listening and speaking. As they become more confident, they learn more about how the language works and use this knowledge to create their own phrases and sentences.
Developing the four language skills
During French lessons, your child will have regular opportunities to develop:
- listening
- speaking
- reading
- writing
Activities include whole-class games, conversations with a partner and written tasks, with the level of challenge increasing gradually as children move through the school. Additional practice activities help pupils revisit and strengthen their learning.
When children first begin learning French, lessons place a greater emphasis on listening and speaking. As their confidence and knowledge grow, they develop a balance across all four language skills.
Our aim is for every child to enjoy learning French, develop a good ear for the language and leave Oxley with the confidence, curiosity and strong foundations needed to continue learning languages in the future.