At Wimbledon Chase we believe that all children should be equipped with the necessary skills to learn a Modern Foreign Language inside and outside the classroom. We want to ensure that all our children strengthen their abilities to learn French, appreciate Francophone culture and value being a global citizen.
Our children’s attitude towards languages is very positive. We understand how important it is to know about other cultures, traditions and celebrations. We encourage our pupils to develop a love for languages and to have high ambitions and aspirations for themselves in terms of their future lives and careers.
How we teach Languages
At Wimbledon Chase French is taught from Year 3 to Year 6 once a week. The lesson is delivered by the MFL Specialist Teacher.
Children learn spoken French through songs, games, stories and videos in the target language. Authentic materials are used as often as possible. Reading and writing tasks are taught using bespoke resources alongside French picture books, brochures and maps. We endeavour to introduce a variety of Francophone cultures outside of France in resources and vocabulary. References and comparisons are made with other languages that children have already been, or are likely to be, exposed to. This helps them to develop transferable skills and boosts confidence. Much of the French session is delivered in the target language, allowing our children to improve their speaking and listening skills.
Vocabulary is taught within a context that uses repeated structures to ensure that children can adapt it for use in different written and spoken situations throughout their four years of learning. Phonics is embedded in the learning of vocabulary with explicit teaching and practice in years 3 and 4 to help with pronunciation and spelling. Grammar is introduced with a light touch from year 3, increasing to discrete lessons in years 5 and 6.
Our trip to France in year 5 provides the children with opportunities to use spontaneous talk and to encourage curiosity about the wider world.
Children in year 6 have a taster term of Spanish after Easter. The emphasis here is on speaking, listening and reading skills that they can use in real-life situations. This gives the children the opportunity to use those transferable skills and sends them off to secondary school with renewed confidence and enthusiasm for languages.