At Riverside Academy, we believe that the learning a foreign language provides a valuable educational, social and cultural experience for our pupils.  It helps them to develop key communication skills and extends their knowledge of how language works. Learning another language gives children a new perspective on the world, encouraging them to understand, appreciate and celebrate both their own cultures and those of others. This is vital preparation for life in a multi-cultural and multi-lingual Britain.

The skills and knowledge gained by children in their language learning will improve their understanding of and respect for different religious, ethnic and socio-economic groups in global, national and local communities. Engagement with values and customs across the globe plays a vital part in enabling children to develop a clear understanding of the fundamental British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance.

Under the 2014 National Curriculum, all Key Stage 2 pupils are entitled to learn a foreign language. Riverside Academy recognises the importance of this and provides age-appropriate languages learning for all children in Years 3-6. At Riverside Academy, French is the focus language. We  believe in a communicative approach, in which all pupils can actively engage. French will be exploited wherever the opportunity arises, with great emphasis being given to speaking and listening opportunities.

Children in Key Stage 2 are taught how to:

• ask and answer questions
• express opinions
• speak in sentences, using familiar vocabulary and phrases
• use accurate pronunciation and intonation
• read carefully, showing understanding of words and phrases
• use a bilingual dictionary
• write phrases from memory
• describe people, places, things and actions
• understand basic grammar

Children in Year 6 are given the opportunity to spend a week in France. This provides them with a valuable experience, allowing them to apply their language learning in a real-life context. They become immersed in French culture and experience their learning first-hand.