We want all pupils at Clare Mount Specialist Sports College to develop a tolerance for the world beyond the UK and a curiosity and desire to understand it further. We enable this through exploring the cultural traditions of our closest non-English speaking neighbour and discovering their linguistic and cultural global influence. At CMSSC we foster positive can-do attitudes and we promote a 'languages for all' principle, one in which we believe all children can achieve in Languages.

We aim for all pupils to:

- appreciate the cultural similarities and differences of the country.

- develop in confidence to communicate verbally with others

- have the ability to replicate the phonics and pronunciation of the spoken language

- acquire a sound knowledge of key high frequency vocabulary which can be used in a variety of contexts

 

Implementation

 

At KS3, all children will receive one hour per week of French, with an emphasis on Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing, proportionately appropriate to the ability of the child. Pupils are taught a balance of vocabulary and basic grammar in context, ensuring secure and deep understanding through manageable steps and multisensory approaches. Games and song are integral to the enjoyment, engagement and consolidation of key vocabulary. Each unit focuses on topic vocabulary with spiral learning integral to the overall unit structure.  Revisiting, consolidation and extension of high frequency opinions, vocabulary, justifications and connectives build over each year. Wherever possible, cognates and near cognates are identified and highlighted to broaden English vocabulary. Etymological links are exploited to aid memory and exemplify the roots of the English language and its European heritage. Repetition of sentence structures with an emphasis on the use of connectives and justified opinions embeds and consolidates good sentence structure when writing in English.

At KS4, discrete phonics learning is introduced to complement the other skills of grammar and vocabulary acquisition and there is more emphasis on building use of tenses and time phrases to build upon the learning at KS3. Mispronunciation, mistakes and misconceptions are an essential part of learning and scaffolded challenge and regular spaced learning of vocabulary and structures is used to ensure progress that is commensurate with the individual child’s potential.

 

Impact

The French Curriculum at Clare Mount is well structured and planned for progression for all learners.

Regular assessment and feedback, coupled with clear feedback and review which is then mapped against spectrum steps provide a scaffold for success in French. Through specialist teaching, engaging lessons and a secure environment, we expect pupils to:

• have the confidence to make errors and learn from them
• reach their full potential as language learners
• apply their learning and skills across the curriculum
• understand the reach of the French language across the world, showing tolerance and understanding of other cultures
• have the confidence to explore other languages independently

 

The following websites will really help to consolidate the learning that is done in class. Please ensure you are comfortable with the app and are aware of any potential age restrictions.

 

Linguascope  (school can provide the username and password)

Duolingo

Memrise