French
Intent
At Durham Academy, we believe that learning a language is a transformative experience, opening doors to new cultures, perspectives, and opportunities. Our French curriculum is designed to foster a lifelong love of language learning, empowering every child to become confident and competent communicators in an increasingly interconnected world. We aim to equip students not only with linguistic proficiency but also with the cultural understanding and intercultural skills necessary to thrive in a global society.
Our curriculum is built on the following core principles, underpinned by the values of confidence, ambition, respect, and every child:
- Confidence: We nurture confidence in our students’ language abilities by creating a supportive and encouraging learning environment where risk-taking is celebrated. We prioritise practical communication skills, enabling students to use the target language effectively in real-life contexts, fostering fluency, accuracy, and spontaneity in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
- Ambition: We are ambitious for every child, setting high expectations and providing a curriculum that is challenging and enriching. We move beyond rote learning and focus on developing critical thinking skills through engaging and stimulating activities. We encourage students to explore their own interests through the target language, fostering a sense of curiosity and intellectual growth and inspiring them to pursue further language learning.
- Respect: We embed the study of culture within our language curriculum, fostering an appreciation for the diverse societies and traditions associated with the target language. We aim to break down cultural stereotypes and promote empathy and understanding, cultivating respect for all cultures. We encourage students to become global citizens who are respectful and tolerant of different perspectives.
- Every Child: We are committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of background or prior experience, has the opportunity to succeed in language learning. We provide a solid foundation in grammar and vocabulary, ensuring that all students develop the necessary linguistic tools to express themselves accurately and confidently. We cater to diverse learning styles and provide tailored support to ensure that all students can reach their full potential.
