Here at Parkfields, we are a community of people that value each other, where we come from and how we can connect with each other and the world around us. This is the heart of learning French. Not only do we have fun with sounds, songs, drama, film and literature, we are keen to see how French can help us communicate more effectively in English. Using the French ‘latin roots’ we get to impress our other teachers with words such as risible (which makes us laugh)! We are also great word detectives and are keen to spot other links between French and English.

We celebrate our multilingualism as mathematicians, musicians, coders as well as those who speak other languages at home and in the community. 

In lessons and enrichment activities, we can ‘study’ whatever we like … as long as it is in French or about the vast French-speaking world (La Francophonie). We take a voyage of discovery into history, geography, art, music, science, sport and beyond. There are no limits with languages…!

Depending on the interests of the youngsters, we have performed French songs in concerts, shared jokes in assembly, conducted mock presidential elections, shared a French pantomime and created a French version of ‘The Hungry Caterpillar’ (La Chenille Qui Fait Des Trous)

Cross-curricular days are a great opportunity to foray into pastures new and we have looked at a wide range of topics including: Chocolate, Oceans, the Snail Trail, Bread, Olympics and so much more. 

In Year 8, we have a residential trip to France. This is always a highlight and great opportunity to practise all the things we have learnt. 

Parkfields’ pupils have developed their abilities to communicate effectively in French and have been well prepared for learning French at a higher level. 

A former pupil, who has just graduated with a first class honours degree in French said this when she left, 

“Thank you for every French club including the French Nativity, Cendrillon, and Santa. Thank you for every encouragement and praise that meant so much to me. I thought I hated languages before I came to Parkfields, but I was wrong and I am so glad I was brave enough to come to French club for the first time. I can’t wait to do even more at Harlington” (H Platt)

Another pupil, who has just graduated from Cambridge having studied linguistics, started his interest in learning languages when we watched the ‘Tour de France’ each lunchtime when he was in Year 6. 

We certainly see and enjoy the benefits and learning French and it certainly is true that:

“One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.” 

Frank Smith

Photo by Anthony DELANOIX on Unsplash