MFL
To learn a language is to have one more window from which to look at the world.
- Chinese proverb
Intent
At Beaumont Primary Academy, our intent is to provide a high‑quality, engaging and progressive French curriculum that inspires pupils to develop a love of languages and an awareness of other cultures. Through the Primary Languages Network (PLN) scheme, we aim to ensure that all pupils:
- Build solid foundations in speaking, listening, reading and writing in French.
- Develop confidence, enthusiasm and curiosity for language learning.
- Gain an appreciation of Francophone culture, helping them become respectful and globally minded citizens.
- Acquire language learning strategies that prepare them for KS3 continuation, enabling a smooth transition and long‑term success.
- Understand that learning another language broadens their horizons and enriches their understanding of the world.
Our curriculum embraces inclusivity: every child is encouraged and supported to access and enjoy French learning, regardless of starting point.
Implementation
We deliver French through the Primary Languages Network scheme, which provides structured, expertly sequenced lessons taught via:
- High‑quality video teaching, ensuring accurate pronunciation and authentic language modelling.
- Clear progression across year groups, aligned with national curriculum expectations.
- Interactive activities including songs, stories, games and role‑play to bring language to life.
- Built‑in retrieval practice, helping children revisit and retain vocabulary and structures over time.
- Staff CPD and support, enabling all teachers to deliver French with growing confidence, supported by PLN’s resources, planning and assessment tools.
Lessons follow a consistent structure including revision, new learning, practice and application. Children regularly engage in:
- Speaking in pairs or group
- Listening to authentic French speakers
- Reading simple texts, captions and dialogue
- Writing words and sentences as confidence grows
- Exploring cultural content linked to festivals, traditions and daily life in French‑speaking countries
Assessment opportunities are embedded through quizzes, teacher observations, short written tasks and end‑of‑unit checks within the PLN platform. This ensures teachers can monitor progress and adapt teaching accordingly.
Impact
By the end of KS2, pupils at Beaumont Primary Academy:
- Demonstrate growing confidence when speaking French, using accurate pronunciation and intonation.
- Can understand and respond to simple spoken and written French, using increasingly varied vocabulary and structures.
- Write short phrases and sentences, applying grammatical knowledge taught through PLN.
- Show cultural understanding and appreciation, recognising similarities and differences between their own lives and those of children in French‑speaking countries.
- Are well‑prepared for KS3, having secured key building blocks in language learning such as dictionary skills, phonics and basic grammar.
- Exhibit positive attitudes towards languages, showing enthusiasm, resilience and pride in their progress.
Improved outcomes are seen in pupils’ ability to recall key vocabulary, participate actively in lessons, and demonstrate curiosity about the wider world. Our PLN French curriculum ensures that language learning is meaningful, enjoyable and impactful—building linguistic confidence that will support pupils throughout their education and beyond.
Take a look at French at Beaumont
French Overview
Suggested websites to help to enhance your child’s interest in French:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zxsvr82
https://rockalingua.com/videos
https://www.lightbulblanguages.co.uk/resources-pr-sp-Y3.htm#unit1
