Welcome to the MFL area of our website @ St James' Lower Darwen

The subject leader for French at St James' is Miss Whaley.

Our Christian Vision for MFL:

French @ St James'

We learn French in all KS2 classes (Years 3 to 6). 

At St James’, we believe that learning a foreign language opens the door to new cultures, experiences and opportunities. French is an important part of our curriculum because it helps pupils develop communication skills, curiosity about the wider world and an appreciation of different cultures and traditions. Through learning French, children gain confidence in speaking and listening, whilst also developing important skills such as memory, resilience and problem-solving.

Across the school, pupils progressively develop their knowledge and understanding of the French language through speaking, listening, reading and writing activities. Children learn key vocabulary and phrases linked to everyday life, including greetings, numbers, colours, family, food, weather and hobbies. As they move through school, pupils build on prior learning to improve pronunciation, hold simple conversations, ask and answer questions, read short texts and write basic sentences independently. Lessons are designed to be engaging, interactive and practical, allowing children to revisit and apply language regularly to strengthen long-term memory and fluency.

By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils should be able to communicate using familiar vocabulary and phrases, understand and respond to spoken and written French, and demonstrate confidence when speaking aloud. They should have a secure foundation in basic grammar, pronunciation and sentence structure which will prepare them for further language learning at secondary school and beyond.

French also plays an important role in supporting the development of the whole child. Pupils develop confidence by speaking in front of others, resilience through practising and improving new language skills, and independence when applying vocabulary in different contexts. Collaborative games, partner work and speaking activities encourage teamwork, listening skills and respectful communication. Learning about French culture also promotes tolerance, empathy and an understanding of diversity within the wider world.

Our teaching of French reflects our Christian vision and values by encouraging respect, kindness and appreciation for people from different cultures and backgrounds. Pupils are taught to value differences, celebrate diversity and show compassion and understanding towards others, helping them become thoughtful and respectful global citizens.

Oracy is at the heart of our French curriculum. Children are regularly encouraged to speak aloud, repeat vocabulary, practise pronunciation, perform conversations and ask and answer questions in French. Through discussion, partner talk and interactive activities, pupils develop the confidence to communicate clearly, listen carefully and express themselves with increasing fluency and accuracy.

MFL Subject Overview

We will be using a range of teaching strategies including games, role-play, songs and Outdoor Learning. This will ensure lots of practical activities and fun in order to help embed new learning and understanding of the French culture.

 Where does French begin at St James'?

Although French is formally taught from Key Stage 2 at St James’, the foundations for language learning begin much earlier in EYFS. In the Early Years, children develop the essential communication and listening skills that prepare them for learning a foreign language later on. Through stories, songs, rhymes, role play and conversation, pupils build confidence in speaking, listening carefully, taking turns and responding to others. Children are encouraged to explore new vocabulary, notice sounds and patterns in language and develop curiosity about the world around them. These early experiences help foster positive attitudes towards communication, culture and language learning, creating strong foundations for future French learning as they move through school.