Curriculum Intent

At Harcourt Primary, our MFL curriculum is designed to inspire all learners and foster a love of languages, underpinned by our core values of Achieve, Believe and Respect. French is taught through the Rising Stars scheme, enriched with additional content that develops both substantive knowledge (vocabulary, grammar) and disciplinary knowledge (how language works and is used).

Through retrieval practice, vocabulary and grammar are revisited regularly, helping children to embed knowledge and apply it in new contexts. Lessons include the four key language skills – speaking, listening, reading and writing – with a strong emphasis on oral communication in lower KS2.  Lessons are interactive and creative, involving songs, games, role play and cultural exploration.

Real-life application is important: children explore French culture and compare school life in France and the UK. We provide opportunities to use language beyond the classroom, including links with French speakers and trips abroad.  When they leave Harcourt, children have achieved a strong foundation in French, and will be ready to take their level of this language further, or apply the disciplinary knowledge gained to learning a new language at secondary school.