At Gatehouse School, we strongly believe that learning a foreign language provides valuable educational, social, and cultural experiences for our pupils. It prepares them to thrive in a rapidly changing world, where communication and collaboration often take place in languages other than English.
French is taught from the Early Years Foundation Stage and continues throughout the school, with structured progression in Key Stage 2. This early introduction helps lay a strong foundation for future language learning, developing both confidence and curiosity.
Our French programme aligns with the National Languages Strategy, which states that: “Every child should have the opportunity to study a foreign language and develop their interest in the culture of other nations.”
We aim to promote:
Enjoyment and enthusiasm for learning a new language
Practical communication skills using listening, speaking, reading, and writing
Confidence and spontaneity in using French in real-world contexts
Awareness and appreciation of other cultures and ways of life
Language learning at Gatehouse goes beyond the classroom. Pupils enjoy a variety of cultural and immersive experiences that bring the French language to life:
Year 5 Residential Trip to the Opal Coast, France – a three-day visit offering real-world language use and cultural exploration
Visits to the French Institute, South Kensington – enhancing cultural understanding through films and exhibitions
European Day of Languages – celebrated in collaboration with other schools, such as Blackheath High School