French is the study of the French language and the cultures of French-speaking countries. At Knutsford Academy, we aim to develop confident, spontaneous and fluent linguists who can communicate in real-life contexts and appreciate the richness of global cultures. Our curriculum fosters a deep understanding of vocabulary, grammar, and phonics, and builds sociolinguistic awareness through meaningful and purposeful communication.
At Knutsford Academy, we aim to develop confident, spontaneous and fluent linguists who can communicate in real-life contexts and appreciate the richness of global cultures. Our curriculum fosters a deep understanding of vocabulary, grammar, and phonics, and builds sociolinguistic awareness through meaningful and purposeful communication.
Whilst students currently in Years 8 and 9 study French or Spanish, students from the current Year 7 onwards will only study French.
Our Languages curriculum at KS3 follows the National Curriculum and is built around The Knutsford Way, incorporating Extensive Processing Instruction (EPI). Students develop foundational vocabulary, phonics, and grammar in a highly structured and sequenced way. Topics include Me, family, relationships, identity, role models, free time, school, food, house and home life, holidays and festivals, all taught with integrated cultural content from French or Spanish speaking countries. Pupils are supported to use the past, present and future tenses from early on, with regular opportunities for retrieval, modelling and deliberate practice.
Assessment
Students are assessed each lesson using a range of methods including questioning, low-stakes quizzes, discussion, self, peer and teacher assessment.
Formal assessments take place three times throughout the academic year, one in each Term.
Please see our Assessment Overview for more information about assessment in Languages.
Enrichment
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French theatre company visit
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Réunion Island pen pal project
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European Day of Languages celebrations
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Language-themed escape rooms
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Cooking workshops (e.g. French crêpes, regional dishes)
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Film clubs (e.g. Le Petit Nicolas) with discussion in French
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Blooket club
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Creative competitions: posters, writing, “Why Learn Languages?”
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Festivals and celebration days (e.g. La Fête des Rois)
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Virtual exchanges with French-speaking schools
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French Exchange
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Translation Bee and National Spelling Bee competitions
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Participation in national competitions (e.g. Stephen Spender Prize, Mother Tongue Other Tongue)
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Spanish club
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Duolingo League
Careers
Studying French enhances communication, cultural awareness, and problem-solving—skills that are valued in all careers.
French pairs well with any degree course, including law, sciences, business, engineering, and the arts, and is highly regarded by both universities and employers. Speaking French also opens doors to opportunities across Europe, Africa, Canada, and parts of the Caribbean, where French is widely spoken.
Potential careers include:
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Translator or interpreter (French English bilingual roles)
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International business and marketing, especially with French-speaking countries
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Travel and tourism, including work in French-speaking destinations
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Journalism and media, including foreign correspondence or bilingual roles
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Diplomatic service, such as working in embassies or for the Foreign Office
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Law and international relations, including EU or global organisations
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Teaching and education, in the UK or in French-speaking countries
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Linguistics and academic research, especially with Francophone focus
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NGO and charity work abroad, particularly in Africa and the developing world
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Hospitality and event management, with international client bases
Other Useful Information
At Key Stage 3, each student will be provided with a Sentence Builder booklet for the year and a Vocabulary Testing booklet to support regular practice at home and in class. Digital copies of these booklets will also be stored in the Class Team for easy access.
Contact
Mrs G Speakman: gsn@knutsfordacademy.org.uk