“A different language is a different vision of life.” — Federico Fellini
At Abingdon, we celebrate the extraordinary linguistic diversity of our community. More than 50 languages are spoken across our school, reflecting the cultures, identities and experiences that our children and families bring.
Our chosen Modern Foreign Language is French. For many of our children, French is an additional language beyond the language or languages they already speak at home. This creates an important opportunity: every child begins the learning journey together, developing a new language alongside their peers.
We do not see the languages children bring from home as a barrier to learning French. They are a strength. Children draw on their existing knowledge of language, recognising patterns, sounds, vocabulary and structures and using what they already know about communication to support the acquisition of another language.
Learning a language together
Our French curriculum follows the Rigolo French programme and provides a clear progression through Key Stage 2.
Children develop four interconnected areas:
- Listening – listening to spoken French and demonstrating understanding through responses, songs, stories, rhymes and games.
- Speaking – developing confidence in conversation, asking and answering questions, expressing opinions and using familiar vocabulary and phrases in sentences.
- Reading – recognising and understanding familiar words, phrases and stories, while developing an appreciation of French songs, poems, rhymes and stories.
- Writing – describing people, places and things, developing an understanding of basic grammar and applying this knowledge to construct increasingly accurate sentences.
These skills are deliberately revisited and developed so that children become increasingly confident in using French for real communication, rather than simply recalling isolated vocabulary.
Language, culture and identity
Learning French is also an opportunity to develop children’s understanding of the wider world.
Children encounter French-speaking cultures and communities and begin to recognise that language is connected to identity, history, culture and ways of life. This complements the many languages and cultures already represented within our school.
Our multilingual community provides a particularly rich context for language learning. Children can share their own linguistic knowledge, compare languages and discover similarities and differences between them.
This helps children to understand that there is no single way to communicate and that being multilingual is an asset.
Inclusion and belonging
French provides a unique opportunity for children to learn something new on a level playing field. Whatever their starting point, every child is developing their knowledge of French alongside their peers.
We adapt teaching, modelling, resources and expectations where necessary so that all children can participate meaningfully. Children with SEND and children who are new to English can draw on appropriate support while maintaining ambitious expectations.
The ambition remains high; the route to achieving it may be different.
Learning another language can also build confidence. Children experience the vulnerability of trying unfamiliar words, making mistakes and trying again. In doing so, they develop resilience and learn that communication is about taking risks, listening carefully and persevering.
Language beyond the classroom
French contributes to children’s wider cultural capital and understanding of the world. It supports learning across the curriculum, particularly in English, Geography, History, Music and Personal Development.
It also strengthens our Armour for Life, developing communication, listening, confidence, perseverance and the ability to engage respectfully with people whose language or experiences may be different from our own.
Most importantly, children learn that language can open doors: to people, places, cultures, ideas and future opportunities.
Living our ARCH through French
Learning a new language provides natural opportunities to live our values:
- Aspirations – developing the confidence to communicate beyond our immediate environment and imagining future opportunities where languages matter.
- Resilience – persevering when pronunciation, vocabulary or grammar feels difficult.
- Harmony – developing curiosity about other cultures and respect for different ways of communicating and living.
- Commitment – revisiting vocabulary, practising regularly and building knowledge over time.
Our multilingual community makes language learning particularly meaningful. We value the languages children bring, while giving every child the opportunity to acquire another.
Through French, children learn not only another language but something broader: that communication requires curiosity, courage, listening and respect.
Belong → Listen → Communicate → Understand → Connect → Flourish → Thrive → Achieve.
French Progression Document
Please find the link to the Modern Foreign Language programme of study https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-languages-progammes-of-study/national-curriculum-in-england-languages-progammes-of-study#key-stage-2-foreign-language
