French
French at Joseph Hood Primary School is a carefully designed subject that fulfils the National Curriculum requirements for Modern Foreign Languages while reflecting the creativity, diversity and ambition of our school community. We believe that learning a foreign language opens doors to the wider world, fostering curiosity, communication and cultural understanding.
At Joseph Hood, French is taught by a specialist French teacher, ensuring that all pupils benefit from expert teaching, clear progression and consistent exposure to the target language. Lessons are dynamic, inclusive and interactive, with a strong emphasis on spoken communication and cultural appreciation.
Our French curriculum is broad, balanced and inspiring. It develops pupils’ confidence in speaking, listening, reading and writing in French, while promoting cultural understanding and enthusiasm for language learning. Through creative, hands-on projects and real-world experiences, children experience French as a living, joyful and useful language.
How We INSPIRE in French
Inclusive
French at Joseph Hood is accessible to all. Lessons are adapted so every child, regardless of background or ability, can participate fully and experience success. Our specialist teacher uses varied, interactive strategies - songs, movement, games and visuals - to ensure all learners are included and engaged. Pupils learn about French-speaking countries around the world, recognising diversity and developing respect for other cultures.
Nurturing
Our French curriculum nurtures curiosity, confidence and self-expression. Lessons build a supportive environment where pupils are encouraged to take risks, practise pronunciation and explore new vocabulary. We use a call-and-response approach, with frequent repetition and interaction in French, to help children gain fluency and maximise the amount of spoken French in the classroom.
Success
Success is achieved step by step. As pupils progress through Key Stage 2, they develop skills in all four areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Learning is reinforced through real-life contexts – for example, setting up a French ice cream stall in the playground where pupils practise ordering and serving les glaces using authentic phrases. Achievements are celebrated in class and across the school, helping children to take pride in their growing language skills.
Perseverance
Learning a language requires perseverance and resilience. Pupils are encouraged to practise regularly, revisit vocabulary and grammar, and use trial and error as part of learning. They see that mistakes are a part of mastering a new language and are praised for their effort as much as their success.
Imagination
Creativity lies at the heart of French at Joseph Hood. Pupils explore language through drama, art, music and design. In Year 5, they take part in a “Play in a Day” event, where they learn about the French Revolution and Bastille Day, dressing up and acting out scenes in French. This immersive experience brings language, history and culture vividly to life.
Our Design and Technology fashion project further links French with creativity: pupils upcycle an adult shirt into a waistcoat as part of our French fashion topic. The project concludes with an upbeat French fashion show, where children model their designs and describe them in French - an engaging celebration of language, design and confidence.
Respect
French promotes respect for people, languages and cultures. Pupils explore customs, celebrations and daily life in France and Francophone countries, developing empathy and appreciation for the similarities and differences that make our world diverse.
Encourage
We encourage every child to see themselves as capable language learners. Through engaging lessons, praise and opportunities to perform and share their skills - such as during our Whole-School Languages Day - pupils are inspired to continue learning and using languages throughout their lives.
Impact
The impact of French at Joseph Hood is that pupils leave primary school as confident, curious and capable language learners. By the end of Year 6, pupils will:
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Understand and respond to spoken and written French on familiar topics.
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Speak clearly and confidently, using accurate pronunciation and intonation.
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Write sentences and short paragraphs with increasing accuracy and independence.
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Demonstrate cultural understanding and respect for others.
Beyond language skills, learning French develops memory, listening, reasoning and problem-solving abilities. It builds confidence and broadens horizons, preparing pupils to thrive in an interconnected, multilingual world.
We aim for every pupil to leave Joseph Hood with a love of language learning, an appreciation of other cultures, and the self-belief that they can communicate successfully beyond their own community.
In 2025, 100% of our Year 6 pupils at Joseph Hood met or exceeded age-related expectations in French — a fantastic achievement that reflects their dedication and the strength of our language curriculum!
What our pupils say about French at Joseph Hood
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Intent
Our intent is to deliver a high-quality, inclusive and enjoyable French curriculum that enables pupils to communicate effectively and to develop a lifelong interest in languages. The curriculum is ambitious and rooted in the National Curriculum for Modern Foreign Languages but enriched through creative, cross-curricular and cultural experiences.
Learning is carefully sequenced and progressive. Knowledge of vocabulary, grammar and phonics builds year-on-year, allowing pupils to make meaningful connections and apply their understanding in different contexts. The emphasis on speaking and listening ensures that communication remains at the heart of all learning.
Through this approach, we aim to nurture curiosity, cultural awareness and confidence – preparing pupils not only for secondary school but for life in a global society.