We believe that through high quality language teaching and learning, our students develop an understanding of the world around them and a love of language and culture. Our teaching will enable pupils to systematically build up their vocabulary, express their ideas and opinions in French and understand and respond to French speakers in both speech and writing.

Our French provision covers the objectives from the National Curriculum while tailoring to the needs of the children of St Bernard’s. We celebrate languages through our dedicated Language Lab, embedding important dates such as European Languages Day into our language teaching and engaging whole school French days.

MFL provision at St Bernard’s is ambitious and progresses smoothly through the year groups. Our French teaching begins with the introduction of songs to our youngest children in EYFS. Enjoyment and interest is maintained through KS1 with our Language Club and this provides a firm foundation for the vocabulary and grammar teaching taking place throughout Key Stage 2.

Our pen-pals in South West France are an excellent way to utilise our newly learnt French and the excitement and anticipation for news and post from Thenon is tangible.

Our aim is for children to leave St Bernard’s with an understanding of France and a thirst for knowledge regarding its language and its culture. Our tailored curriculum guides children, and teachers, on their learning journey from the basics to complex conversations, preparing them for further language learning at secondary school.