At Haut-Lac School, French is taught through a personalised approach so each student can progress at their own pace. We tailor lessons to individual levels and needs to ensure every student receives the support they need to develop their language skills effectively.
Whether as a first language or an additional language, French is taught with both passion and rigour.
From primary school onwards, teachers encourage pupils to engage with the language through reading, writing and speaking to help them develop both technical accuracy and natural fluency.
Learning through projects
French lessons at Haut-Lac are interactive and engaging.
Our students were captivated by a recent project involving the creation of a news report in French. By interviewing teachers and classmates about the environment, they were able to practice and improve their pronunciation and confidence in a real-world context.
To make learning dynamic and stimulating, we incorporate a variety of activities, such as:
- Theatre and role-playing – Acting out dialogues or plays to improve spoken expression
- Creative writing workshops – Writing stories, poems and articles to develop imagination and structure ideas, as well as corresponding with other schools
- Multimedia projects – Creating podcasts and videos to use French in a modern and engaging way
- Reading initiatives – Meeting authors, taking part in reading competitions, and exploring literature in depth
For several years, our P5 students have participated in the Prix Chronos reading competition for young people aged 10 to 12 and senior citizens. Between September and March, both groups read four shortlisted books, exchange their thoughts, and vote for their favourite story.
French role-playing activity
Embracing Technology for Language Learning
Recognising the role of digital tools in modern education, we integrate technology to make learning French more interactive. Platforms such as Quizlet help expand vocabulary, Google Classroom supports collaborative work, Kahoot makes assessments more engaging and the iPad allows for individual dictation.
A particularly exciting cross-curricular project involved pupils producing a French-language cooking show. They created interactive slideshows or videos featuring text, images, audio recordings and animations. They were also able to use the school’s green screen studio to bring their videos to life
Individual dictation
Supportive Learning Environment
Learning a language can be challenging, but at Haut-Lac, we ensure that every student is supported in overcoming any difficulties.
Small class sizes and individual attention enable us to identify specific needs and provide tailored solutions. We encourage pupils to express themselves with confidence because we believe that fun is key to success.
For those seeking an extra challenge, we offer an extension club for students who demonstrate a strong interest in French. This morning club provides enrichment activities beyond the standard curriculum, like entering writing competitions, joining reading circles, creating booktubes, promoting the French language within the school, and writing and publishing articles.
The club members are currently translating a book into French and recording an audiobook, which will be presented during a Story Walk for Book Week.
Booktube - Book review video
Celebrating Multilingualism at Haut-Lac
Haut-Lac’s commitment to language learning is reflected in the work of our Language Ambassadors, a group of pupils dedicated to fostering a positive and inclusive environment for language learning. They support their peers in overcoming challenges, discovering new cultures, and appreciating languages in a lively and practical way.
One of their recent initiatives, ‘Journey through Languages’, celebrates multilingualism and cultural diversity. With the help of volunteers, they recorded readings of Mo Willems’ The Duckling Gets a Cookie! in French and fifteen other languages.
All students are looking forward to listening to these wonderful recordings on International Language Day, an annual celebration at Haut-Lac.
Multilingual story translation
Final thoughts...
At Haut-Lac, French is far more than an academic subject. It is an immersive and enriching experience.
Through a personalised approach, innovative teaching methods, and engaging projects, our students develop not only strong language skills but also a genuine love for the French language and culture.
Corinne Kermarec
French Subject Leader
