'There are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none is without meaning.'

1 Corinthians 14:10

Every child a Linguist

At Our Lady of Lourdes, we believe that learning a language enriches the curriculum and provides excitement, enjoyment and challenge for children and teachers. The study of foreign languages is seen as an important part of our pupils’ education and enables children and their families to develop positive attitudes to, and respect for, the cultural richness of our society and the world in which we live and work. The natural links between languages and other areas of the curriculum can enhance the overall teaching and learning experience. The skills, knowledge and understanding gained make a major contribution to the development of children’s oracy and literacy. Through the three pillars of progression (Phonics, Vocabulary, Grammar), we aim to make the celebration of languages an integral part of our school community. We build on the skills and talents of all pupils and prepare them with strong foundations for learning languages at High School. Our creative and ambitious bespoke French scheme has been created by a skilled specialist teacher, Madame Birtwistle (in collaboration with our feeder High School MFL Department and members from the Association of Language Learning). Carefully sequenced lessons build upon vocabulary, phonics and grammar from previous learning. New structures are met and practised when listening, speaking, reading and writing (these are vehicles to combine vocabulary, phonics and grammar). The curriculum is increasingly demanding throughout KS2 and broadens and deepens pupils' linguistic knowledge and cultural awareness.