French (Modern Foreign Languages) at St Joseph the Worker

Our French curriculum is designed to inspire children’s curiosity about language and culture, helping them become confident communicators in a global community. Through a well‑structured and progressive programme, pupils develop the foundations for language learning that will support them in Key Stage 3 and beyond. French is taught in Key Stage 2 at St Joseph the Worker and is enhanced by the Rigolo scheme, ensuring high‑quality, engaging and inclusive language lessons.

French in Key Stage 2

In Key Stage 2, pupils begin their formal language learning journey. Using the Rigolo scheme, children develop skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing through fun, interactive and culturally rich lessons. The programme introduces vocabulary and structures in a clear, sequenced way, helping pupils build confidence and enjoyment in learning a new language.

Key learning in KS2 includes:

• Listening and Speaking: Understanding simple spoken French, responding to questions, practising pronunciation and engaging in short conversations.
• Reading: Recognising familiar words and phrases, reading simple texts and using context to support understanding.
• Writing: Beginning to write words, phrases and short sentences using modelled structures and familiar vocabulary.
• Vocabulary Building: Learning everyday topics such as greetings, numbers, colours, family, food, school, hobbies and weather.
• Grammar Foundations: Exploring simple grammatical structures such as gender, articles, plurals and basic verb forms.
• Cultural Awareness: Learning about French‑speaking countries, traditions, celebrations and daily life to foster global understanding.

Catholic Social Teaching in KS2 French:

• Global Solidarity: Pupils learn that we are part of a wider global family and that language helps us connect with others around the world.
• Dignity of the Human Person: Children develop respect for different cultures, identities and ways of life.
• Community and Participation: Through pair work, role‑play and group activities, pupils learn to communicate, collaborate and support one another.
• Option for the Poor and Vulnerable: Discussions about global communities help pupils reflect on fairness, equality and access to education.

Our Approach

Knowledge‑Rich and Skills‑Based: Our curriculum ensures children develop both linguistic knowledge and communication skills, learning to think and work like language learners—listening carefully, practising pronunciation, building vocabulary and applying grammar.

Cross‑Curricular Links: French is often linked with geography (French‑speaking countries), music (songs and rhythm), computing (language apps) and PSHE (identity and culture).

Global Citizenship and Catholic Social Teaching: French lessons promote respect, empathy and cultural understanding, helping pupils recognise their role in a diverse and interconnected world.

Engaging and Inclusive: Lessons are enriched with high‑quality resources from Rigolo, songs, stories, games, role‑play and digital activities that support all learners and make language learning enjoyable.

Through French at St Joseph the Worker, we nurture children who are confident, curious and enthusiastic about languages. French is not just about learning words—it is about communication, culture, identity and celebrating the diversity of God’s world. Through engaging lessons and Catholic Social Teaching, we equip our pupils with the skills and values they need to make a positive difference. Whether practising greetings, reading simple texts or exploring French traditions, our pupils grow as thoughtful, respectful and globally aware learners.