MFL
Intent Statement
At Meadowhead Juniors, we believe that learning a modern foreign language provides an opening to other cultures and fosters curiosity, confidence and respect for the wider world. Through the teaching of French at Key Stage Two, we aim to:
•Develop pupils’ confidence in listening, speaking, reading and writing in French.
•Build a secure foundation of phonics, vocabulary and basic grammar.
•Foster positive attitudes towards language learning and cultural diversity.
•Equip pupils with the skills and knowledge needed for successful transition to Key Stage 3.
Our curriculum is underpinned by the Kapow Primary French Scheme of Work, which is fully aligned with the National Curriculum. The scheme ensures progression across Key Stage Two by building knowledge systematically year-on-year and revisiting key vocabulary and structures to support long-term retention.
We intend for pupils to:
•Understand and respond to spoken and written language.
•Speak with increasing confidence, fluency and spontaneity.
•Write phrases and simple sentences using familiar vocabulary.
•Develop an understanding of basic grammar (e.g., gender, articles, simple verb forms).
•Gain insight into French culture and traditions.
Implementation Statement
French is taught weekly across Key Stage Two using the structured progression provided by the Kapow scheme. Lessons are carefully sequenced to ensure pupils build on prior knowledge and develop skills progressively from Year 3 to Year 6.
Teaching Approach
•Through Kapow, lessons include:
•Clear progression in phonics to support accurate pronunciation.
•Explicit teaching of vocabulary and grammar in meaningful contexts.
•Opportunities for speaking and listening through songs, games, role-play and partner work.
•Reading and writing activities that reinforce vocabulary and sentence construction.
•Retrieval practice to support long-term memory.
•Cultural learning embedded within units.
Curriculum Progression
•Lower KS2 (Years 3 & 4):
Pupils develop confidence in speaking and listening. They learn key vocabulary linked to familiar topics (e.g., greetings, numbers, colours, family) and begin constructing simple phrases.
Pupils develop confidence in speaking and listening. They learn key vocabulary linked to familiar topics (e.g., greetings, numbers, colours, family) and begin constructing simple phrases.
•Upper KS2 (Years 5 & 6):
Pupils extend sentences using conjunctions, begin to manipulate language, and develop a deeper understanding of grammar. They engage in short conversations and produce simple written paragraphs.
Pupils extend sentences using conjunctions, begin to manipulate language, and develop a deeper understanding of grammar. They engage in short conversations and produce simple written paragraphs.
Assessment for learning is ongoing within lessons through questioning, partner talk, and informal checks. End-of-unit assessments from Kapow support teacher judgement and ensure progression.
Impact Statement
The impact of our French curriculum is evident in pupils who:
•Demonstrate enthusiasm and curiosity about language learning.
•Speak French with improving pronunciation and confidence.
•Read and understand simple texts using taught vocabulary.
•Write short phrases and sentences independently.
•Apply basic grammatical structures accurately.
•Show awareness and appreciation of French culture.
By the end of KS2, pupils leave with:
•A secure foundation in French vocabulary and grammar.
•The confidence to communicate in simple spoken and written forms.
•The resilience and curiosity needed to continue language learning at KS3.
Through consistent use of the Kapow scheme, we ensure high-quality, progressive teaching that supports all learners in developing essential language skills and cultural understanding.