Trotts Hill Primary School and Nursery
Every two weeks, the Year 6 Creative Crew members choose a new "Phrase of the Fortnight" which they share with each class from
Year 1 to Year 6.
This fortnight's phrase is:
Lavez les mains ! which means: Wash your hands!
You can use this song to help you wash your hands:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Z0qbWMF6po
Intent
The 2013 National Curriculum for Modern Foreign Languages aims to ensure that all children:
Trotts Hill teaches a high quality languages education which fosters children’s curiosity and deepens their understanding of the world. It also helps children develop skills that will open further opportunities later in life. The teaching of French in KS1 and KS2 provides an appropriate balance of spoken and written language and lays the foundations for further foreign language teaching at KS3.
At Trotts Hill, children have the opportunity to develop their French language skills as well as learn about French culture and traditions.
Implementation
Children are introduced to French from Year 1 and receive a fortnightly 30 minute lesson, throughout their time in Key Stage 1. This enables the children to develop early language acquisition skills that facilitate their understanding of the patterns of language and how these differ from, or are similar to, English. In KS2, each class has a timetabled fortnightly French lesson of an hour. Lessons across the Key Stages support the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing:
Key Stage 2 Pupils have a French exercise book which they take with them through the Key Stage, enabling them to create word banks and look back through prior learning to assist with independent writing tasks further up the school. This shows their progression across the Key Stage.
We also use daily incidental French so that throughout the day children hear and use French around the school. Attendance and lunch registers are taken in French. We have a “Phrase of the Fortnight” which is updated by our Creative Crew, who has chosen words and phrases which can be used as part of daily life around school. Children are encouraged to practise their French conversations with other children and adults at Trotts Hill.
The French subject leader attends Stevenage Language Network meetings as part of continuing professional development.
Impact
Our MFL curriculum ensures that children develop their knowledge of French and French-speaking countries. Pupils focus primarily on oral and aural skills in Key Stage 1 and particularly enjoy singing songs and participating in games. These in turn contribute to whole school and Key Stage assemblies. Children re-visit topic areas during Key Stage 2, developing their reading and writing skills in addition to increasing their knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. In Upper Key Stage 2, children use their French books as a resource tool, using and adapting prior learning in new contexts.
Learning French helps build confidence; pupils enjoy speaking in French and are keen to share oral work in front of their peers. Less able writers often enjoy the speaking and listening element of French lessons as they are able to achieve on an equal level to their peers.
Each week in Celebration Assembly, Madame Cornish announces the French Star of the Week. This accolade is given to pupils who demonstrate exceptional effort in lessons and those who are using the Phrase of the Fortnight appropriately around the school.
Here are some ideas to keep up with your French and build your vocabulary:
Watch these videos from High Five French: https://radiolingua.com/learnathome/#primaryfrench
Learn the Rainbow Song and revise your colours in French. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZWN2Uragvc
For an alternative song about colours, listen to this one by Alain le Lait - it's rather unusual! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4kNeFGBAcw
Write une carte postale - write a postcard in French. You could say what your name is, how old you are, something you like and say goodbye. Maybe you could send it to a friend.
Visit the Musée d'Orsay in Paris from the comfort of your home. Take a virtual tour. https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/musee-dorsay-paris?hl=en You could try doing your own drawing or painting inspired by one of the pieces in the gallery.
If you would like to share pictures of your work, please email admin@trottshill.herts.sch.uk
I would love to see what you get up to!