"One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way." 
Frank Smith 

What do we aim to achieve? 

In an increasingly multicultural society, we believe that learning another language is of great value. We believe that providing a rich and stimulating language learning experience, for all pupils, fosters curiosity and deepens understanding regarding the world around us.  At St John’s, we aim to provide children with language learning opportunities, which will enable them to have the tools and the confidence to communicate with people from other French speaking countries. As well as this, we aim to build a foundation that can be developed for further practical purposes, whether this be reading literature in its original language, studying or working abroad. We believe the opportunity to explore relationships between language and identity, develop a deeper understanding of other cultures and the world around them with a better awareness of self, others and cultural differences. 

What does this look like at St Johns? 

At St Johns, We strive to develop a love for language by delivering lessons in a fun and interactive way, which not only focus on key skills and vocabulary but culture too. We explore new language in a variety of ways including listening and speaking activities, songs, games and writing opportunities. These provide children with opportunities to develop their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills whilst also expanding their cultural awareness. Throughout KS2, the skills learnt are revisited and built upon, enabling pupils to embed and apply their learning in a variety of contexts, laying down solid foundations for future language learning. Children are taught how to use a French dictionary and research language they are unsure of as well as other strategies, which support translation. Throughout their time with us, they will develop their own bank of reference, which they continually build upon, to aid them with their spoken and written tasks going forward. Through the use of engaging and active lessons, pupils are taught new vocabulary alongside key conversation skills that they can then apply in a real-life context.