French

All work in French is focused on: language awareness and enjoyment; communication skills in the foreign language; learning based on topics relevant to young children; and an understanding of some basic grammar by the end of Year 6.

French is taught twice a week to all children from Reception to Year 6. The National Curriculum attainment targets of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing are followed in Years 3-6. The emphasis in Reception-Year 2 is on Listening and Speaking.

Pictorial and audio materials are the main starting points for a topic. Gradually a vocabulary develops, moving from individual words and their gender to phrases and sentences.

Text books with their corresponding audio tapes are used for Year 3-6 children. This leads to listening and conversation/role-play activities and a more formal presentation of grammar, particularly with regard to verbs. In Years 5 and 6 the past tense is introduced, particularly in writing activities.

During their final term at Norland, Year 6 children enjoy a residential visit to France.

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