French
At Sandringham and West Newton Primary Academy, we are committed to delivering a high-quality languages education that fosters our children’s curiosity and deepens their understanding of the world. The National Curriculum defines high-quality foreign language education as essential in cultivating inquisitive learners who appreciate diverse cultures. We firmly believe that the process of learning a foreign language should not merely be an academic exercise but an engaging and enjoyable experience that broadens the horizons of our children.
Our focus extends beyond the basic components of language learning—speaking, listening, reading, and writing in French—to a robust exploration of French culture. We incorporate various experiences that allow our pupils to become immersed in the rich tapestry of French art, cuisine, and language. By doing so, we aim to enhance their understanding of a culture that has shaped much of our own world and to instil in them a genuine appreciation for the language and its cultural context.
To support these educational objectives, we employ Language Angels, a comprehensive programme designed specifically for the teaching of Modern Foreign Languages in Key Stage 2. Through the use of Language Angels, we are equipped to deliver a dynamic curriculum that caters to our pupils’ diverse needs while adhering closely to the principles set forth by the National Curriculum.
Language Angels supports our foreign language curriculum in several key ways, ensuring that it is both broad and balanced. Our approach not only seeks to deepen knowledge but also to provide the cultural experiences that are essential for pupils to flourish throughout their primary education and beyond. A personalised learning pathway is fundamental, as we encourage schools to adapt their delivery to best meet the needs of their pupils.
One of the curriculum drivers we prioritise through our foreign language education is oracy. We aspire to help our children become articulate young individuals who can express their ideas confidently in both their first and second languages. Language Angels promotes a plethora of spoken activities that are integrated into every lesson, reinforcing the importance of communication. We believe that oracy is a skill that must be actively taught and practised. The development of oracy in a foreign language not only enhances confidence but also improves academic outcomes across other subjects. It encourages both independent and collaborative work, preparing pupils for a wide range of communicative situations they may encounter in their lives.
In alignment with our commitment to diversity, Language Angels places significant emphasis on celebrating the varied backgrounds of our pupils. Wherever possible, we aim to represent a rich diversity of religion, ethnicity, and ability within the learning materials. Our illustrative characters intentionally avoid conforming to stereotypes, ensuring that they promote equal opportunities and inclusivity at all times. It is essential that all pupils feel valued, respected, and included in their language lessons, and Language Angels reflects our values in celebrating difference as an integral part of the language learning experience.
Creativity is another core principle of Language Angels. This creativity underpins all aspects of learning, particularly in language acquisition. This pedagogical approach invites children to practise creative skills, with music and art being just two avenues through which we facilitate this exploration. By encouraging children to think creatively, we allow them to solve problems innovatively and to discover different pathways to achieve their language goals. This approach fosters a sense of ownership over their learning and empowers them to express themselves in the foreign language in ways that feel personal and authentic.
Independence is paramount in our language curriculum, and Language Angels actively promotes the development of confident, independent learners from an early age. We encourage our children to take initiative, become more organised thinkers, and develop strategies for overcoming challenges they may encounter in their studies. By guiding them in understanding how to approach tasks—even when they encounter difficulties—we help them build resilience and self-efficacy. They learn to persevere, understanding that while some may take longer to grasp new concepts, everyone can progress and achieve in their learning journey.
By the end of Key Stage 2, the children at The Sandringham Federation will emerge more confident in their ability to communicate in French, having developed a foundational understanding of essential words and phrases. They will cultivate a broader sense of the world around them and will take pleasure in acquiring a new skill. Learning French not only enables them to try new experiences, but it also allows them to articulate these experiences in both French and English, reinforcing their understanding of the interconnectedness of languages and cultures.
Through our comprehensive approach, which integrates the principles of oracy, diversity, creativity, and independence, we prepare our children for the globalised world they will navigate in their futures. They will possess not only language skills but also a rich appreciation of cultural narratives and the ability to engage meaningfully with people from diverse backgrounds. This holistic approach to language learning is essential for fostering well-rounded individuals who are ready to contribute positively to society.
Sandringham and West Newton is dedicated to offering our pupils a high-quality French curriculum that is both engaging and educationally sound. Through our partnership with Language Angels, we are able to provide a rich educational experience that prioritises cultural understanding and linguistic proficiency. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn a foreign language, and we are committed to ensuring that their journey is fulfilling, enjoyable, and impactful.