At Southwick School, our French curriculum is designed to open the door to new languages, cultures, and ways of thinking. Guided by our Christian vision and the principle to “do everything in love,” we aim to nurture confident communicators who show curiosity, respect, and appreciation for the wider world.

We want pupils to develop a secure foundation in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in French, while enjoying the process of language learning. Through engaging and interactive lessons, children are encouraged to practise pronunciation, build vocabulary, and begin to understand how language works. Our intent is not only to develop linguistic skills, but also to foster a sense of enjoyment and achievement.

Language learning at Southwick School also promotes cultural awareness. Pupils explore aspects of French-speaking countries, helping them to recognise similarities and differences between their own lives and those of others. This supports the development of open-minded, respectful individuals who value diversity.

In line with our ethos of “doing everything in love,” pupils are encouraged to support one another, take risks in their learning, and celebrate success together. We aim for children to leave with a positive attitude towards languages, the confidence to communicate, and a growing understanding of the richness of the world beyond their immediate experience.

At Southwick School, French is delivered through clearly structured, termly blocks, allowing pupils to focus on language learning in a consistent and progressive way. In Key Stage 2, pupils receive discrete French lessons, where learning is carefully sequenced to develop skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Each unit builds on prior knowledge, supporting pupils to retain vocabulary, improve pronunciation, and begin to understand basic grammar structures.

Lessons in KS2 are interactive and engaging, incorporating repetition, games, conversation practice, and written activities to support different aspects of language acquisition. Pupils are given regular opportunities to practise speaking aloud, respond to questions, and use familiar vocabulary in context. Reading and writing activities are introduced gradually, ensuring pupils feel supported as they apply their knowledge more independently.

Our approach reflects our school ethos of “do everything in love,” creating a positive and encouraging environment where pupils feel safe to take risks and learn from mistakes. Teachers model enthusiasm and respect for language learning, and pupils are encouraged to support one another and celebrate progress together.

Through structured teaching, early exposure in KS1, and progressive learning in KS2, our French curriculum at Southwick School ensures pupils develop confidence, enjoyment, and a secure foundation in a modern foreign language.