French is taught at Thames Ditton Junior School in line with the Government belief that a foreign language is part of the essential knowledge and understanding which all pupils should have to take their place as educated members of society.
French is taught throughout the school. In Years 3 and 4 children have one period of 30 minutes per week, which increases to 60 minutes in Years 5 and 6. French is taught in a speciality capacity and generally not by the class teacher.
During French lessons children begin to gain confidence in language learning through songs and games. As they progress through the school they are equipped to begin to manipulate the language and can talk about themselves, their interests and can interact appropriately in a range of situations, for example, cafés and shops. Towards the end of year 6, the children are able and eager to try out their linguistic skills during an optional five day residential trip to France.
French lessons give every child the opportunity to:
To support your child's language learning, there is a small selecttion of useful websites below. There are also apps available which make language interactive and fun like duolingo and memrise
".. includes regular lessons in French by a specialist teacher. Pupils in Year 6 are well prepared for their imminent visit to France where they will be able use their language skills to buy groceries, order food in restaurants and engage in short conversation with native speakers under the supervision of their teachers." Ofsted March 2014