“Languages open doors to the world”
At Dedworth Middle School we are proactive in promoting the benefits of language learning. We believe that children, whether they go on to study languages for academic purposes or not, benefit from being able to communicate with people from other cultures, be it on holiday or in their own country. All the children at Dedworth Middle School learn French, with Years 5 and 6 receiving one lesson per week and the other Year Groups receive two lessons per week.
Year 5 are introduced to French through songs and games, with the emphasis on a participative classroom environment in order to encourage the children to speak the language as quickly as possible.
The “Early Start” scheme of work is utilised which covers topics such as, Greetings, Family, Pets, Colours, Days of the week and Months of the year.
Years 7 and 8 receive two lessons per week and follow the “Metro” scheme of work which is also topic based, covering School, Clothes, Holidays, the Weather etc. ICT incorporating the interactive white board is frequently used in order to ensure that lessons are fun as well as educative.
Home Work
Years 7 and 8 receive one piece of homework per week.
A French English dictionary is a useful tool for all pupils and can be bought at little expense in W H Smiths or any good bookshop.
For Years 7 and 8 the BBC has interactive French activities at BBC.Co.uk/Languages/French
It is important that pupils learn about the culture of France and we achieve this through the many activities we provide both in and out of school.
French Week
Each year the four Middle schools host a French week when the Year 5 children are taught for one day by all the Middle school language teachers. The day revolves around activities that are fun such as a fashion show, songs, a French Café and cooking French food.
Year 5 Pen Pal Picnic.
A number of pupils in Year 5 have been corresponding with their counter parts in France. In June they will meet up with these children for a day of fun and games in Windsor Great Park. Last year was the first year we did this and it was a great success so we look forward to saying “Bonjour” to the children this year.
French Breakfast.
In July we will be holding a French breakfast when pupils can enjoy French pâtisseries such as: Croissants, Pains au chocolat and Pains aux raisins.
“Bon Appétit!”
We also afford all the pupils in school the opportunity to travel to France on very long day trips!
A weekly French club and grammar club is held during lunchtime. Activities vary, however at Christmas the children sing French carols which they then sing for the school at the carol concert.