At Cottage Grove Primary School, we recognise that language learning opens doors to new cultures, perspectives and opportunities. Our languages curriculum is designed to develop pupils' confidence in speaking, listening, reading and writing while fostering curiosity about the wider world and respect for different cultures and communities. We celebrate the rich linguistic diversity of our school and aim to ensure that every child develops a positive attitude towards learning languages. 

Our approach to languages is unique and reflects the diverse community we serve. For half of the year, we celebrate a "Language of the Half Term", where children learn key words, phrases and cultural knowledge from one of the many languages spoken within our school community. This initiative allows pupils who speak these languages at home to become the experts, sharing their knowledge and experiences with their peers. Through assemblies, classroom activities and community involvement, children develop pride in their heritage while gaining a deeper appreciation of the languages and cultures around them. 

For the remaining half of the year, pupils follow a structured French curriculum, providing a consistent language-learning journey that builds progressively throughout Key Stage 2. Through carefully sequenced lessons, children develop their vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar skills whilst growing in confidence when communicating in another language. Learning is revisited regularly to ensure that knowledge is retained and built upon year after year. We use the Grammasaurus scheme to support the delivery of high-quality French lessons and ensure clear progression across the curriculum.

Our curriculum reflects the fact that many of our pupils are already bilingual or multilingual. We celebrate this diversity by encouraging children to value their own language, respect the languages of others and understand the important role language plays in communication and identity. Through both French and our Language of the Half Term programme, pupils develop cultural awareness, confidence and a sense of belonging within our school community. 

Our aim is that every child leaves Cottage Grove with a greater understanding of the world around them, confidence in learning new languages and an appreciation of the many languages, cultures and experiences that make our community unique. Through our values of acceptance, achievement, independence, perseverance and respect, we encourage all children to become confident communicators and global citizens.