MFL French

Introduction

Our French curriculum is designed to give all students the confidence to communicate, connect, and understand the wider-world. At KPHS, we recognise that language learning must be carefully sequenced, highly structured, and rooted in meaningful communication to ensure every student can succeed. Our intent is to develop confident linguists who can speak, listen, read, and write in French for real and purposeful contexts, while also gaining a deeper understanding of Francophone cultures. 

At Key Stage 3, students are introduced to the foundations of French through engaging and accessible topics such as greetings, family, school life, hobbies, and daily routines. Units such as “What do I know about France and the Francophonie?” and “Can I introduce myself?” ensure that students build essential vocabulary and grammatical structures from the beginning, including key verbs such as avoir, être, aller, and regular present tense patterns. Students are supported to develop accurate pronunciation, basic sentence building, and confidence in spoken interaction through modelling, repetition, and structured speaking activities. 

As students progress, they explore increasingly complex language through topics such as describing their school, home, local area, holidays, food, health, and media. Grammar is explicitly taught and revisited regularly, including adjective agreement, reflexive verbs, past and future tenses, and modal structures such as on peut and il faut. Cultural understanding is embedded throughout, with dedicated opportunities to explore Francophone music, food, and identity, helping students appreciate the diversity of the French-speaking world. 

At Key Stage 4, students deepen their linguistic competence and cultural awareness through more sophisticated themes including identity, relationships, education, future plans, and global issues. They are encouraged to express opinions, justify ideas, and communicate across a range of time frames. The curriculum builds fluency in using multiple tenses, extended writing, and spontaneous spoken responses, preparing students for external examination requirements while maintaining a strong focus on communication and confidence. 

Across both key stages, literacy support is central. Vocabulary is carefully scaffolded, sentence structures are modelled, and retrieval practice is embedded to ensure long-term retention. The curriculum prioritises oracy to ensure all students can access language learning, even where written literacy is limited. 

Ultimately, our aim is to ensure students leave school with the ability to communicate in another language, an appreciation of different cultures, and the confidence to engage with the wider world. We want students to see themselves as capable linguists who can succeed in languages, broaden their horizons, and understand their place within a global community. 

How French Supports Our School Values

We Co-operate
Through collaborative tasks, peer interaction, and intercultural dialogue, students learn to communicate respectfully and work together across linguistic and cultural boundaries. Language learning becomes a shared journey, promoting empathy, teamwork, and mutual understanding.   

We Pioneer
We encourage students to be curious, courageous learners who explore new ways of thinking and expressing themselves. By engaging with authentic materials, unfamiliar structures and diverse perspectives, they develop resilience and innovation - hallmarks of a pioneering mindset.  

We Belong
Our curriculum nurtures a sense of identity and inclusion. Students discover how language connects communities and cultures, helping them find their place in a wider-world. We celebrate linguistic diversity and encourage learners to see themselves as valued members of both local and global societies. 

What our students say…

"Not only do I learn how to speak French, but I learn more about different cultures in other countries." - Inayah - year 11 

"I think my French lessons are interesting and fun. I like the different types of activities we do in lesson and the exam practice really helps." - Tahmina - year 11 

"French allows me to understand the significance of linguistic diversity within society." - Azan - year 11 

"French lessons are really useful as we are continuously taught to recall information, which can help in other subjects." - Bisma - year 11

Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) in MFL French

Studying French develops communication, problem-solving, teamwork, listening, and speaking skills. It also encourages cultural awareness, adaptability, and confidence—skills highly valued across careers that involve interaction, international contexts, and collaboration.

Career Areas Linked to MFL French:

• Translation, Interpretation & Linguistics – applying language proficiency to translate, interpret, and convey meaning accurately across contexts.
• International Business, Trade & Commerce – using communication, negotiation, and cultural awareness to operate effectively in global markets.
• Tourism, Travel & Hospitality – employing language and interpersonal skills to support international clients, guide experiences, and promote cultural understanding.
• Media, Journalism & Communications – utilising strong language skills for reporting, content creation, and cross-cultural communication.
• Education & Training – teaching languages, developing language resources, and fostering communication skills for learners of all ages.

For more information about careers linked to MFL French, visit: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/groups/c44r0vv4498t