At Northside Primary School, we believe learning a foreign language is an important and enriching part of a child’s education. Learning French helps children develop speaking and listening skills, understand how language works, and gain confidence in communication. Research shows that young children learn languages more easily and benefit cognitively, developing skills such as problem‑solving, adaptability and literacy. Learning French also helps children develop an interest in other cultures in our increasingly global world.

All pupils in Key Stage 2 receive weekly French lessons taught by a specialist French teacher.

Lessons are carefully planned using resources from Language Angels, chosen to suit the age and abilities of our pupils. Children learn through a range of engaging activities including games, quizzes, songs, actions, pictures and role‑play. These methods help children learn naturally without relying on translation. Pupils develop all four language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Progress is assessed informally during lessons, with end‑of‑topic assessments two or three times a year.

We aim to build children’s confidence and enthusiasm for language learning through positive encouragement and praise.

We enrich learning through cultural experiences. Year 4 pupils enjoy a French Café after learning how to order food and drinks, and the whole school takes part in an annual French Day to explore French culture through food, music and language. We have links with French schools, so that Year 5 and 6 pupils can exchange letters with their own French pen pal. French pupils previously visited Northside in 2016 and will visit us again in 2026, giving children an exciting and valuable opportunity to take part in shared activities and practise their language skills.

Through teaching French, we help pupils develop strong communication skills, an understanding of grammar, and an awareness of different cultures, encouraging a lifelong interest in languages.