At Langdale CE Primary School, our intent for languages is to open a window to the wider world. Through the teaching of French from Years 3 to 6, we aim to equip children with the skills to speak, read, and write in another language, while also developing curiosity, cultural awareness, and confidence in communication. We see language learning as a key part of our vision to enable pupils to flourish (with ‘Life in all its fullness’ (John 10:10)) alongside connecting with and appreciating the diverse world around them.

To bring this vision to life, French is taught as an integral part of the curriculum using our exceptional Learning Beyond the Classroom approach. Lessons are designed to be practical, engaging, and immersive, providing children with real-life contexts and meaningful links to other areas of learning. Language learning is interwoven throughout curricular themes—for example, combining French vocabulary with poetry writing, art and design, or geography. This enables pupils to see the relevance of languages beyond the classroom and encourages them to apply their learning in creative ways. In addition to French, teaching staff are responsive to children’s interests and this can take the form of exploring additional languages to deepen their understanding of global cultures and communication. In recent times, the children have explored Indigenous Australian as well as Central Thai as these languages were raised as particular areas of interest for the children. This flexible and responsive approach builds on the children’s natural curiosity, strengthens their cultural understanding and positions them as global citizens.

The impact of our languages curriculum is evident in the enthusiasm and confidence pupils show when speaking and engaging with French. They begin to see language not just as a subject but as a toolkit that connects them to the world beyond their valley. By exploring other languages and cultures alongside French, our children develop a broader appreciation for diversity and communication. As a result, all children leave Langdale with a strong foundation in a second language and with an inquisitive, open mindset, ready to embrace new experiences.

In French, the children explored places in the home (and community). With the vocabulary secured, they created a treasure hunt around the school site. The children navigated the woodlands, meadow and field to find specific rooms before constructing their very own Fench chateaux in chalk.

A wonderful combination of celebrating National Poetry day and French. Maple celebrated our rural community and beyond by creating animal-inspired poems with French grammar and sentence structure in mind.