Over a period of six weeks in October and November, 75 Year 5 students at Bel Royal and La Moye schools made a year’s progress in the subject after taking part in intensive lessons for one hour each day.
They also explored other subjects such as geography, art and sport using the French language.
And at the end of the pilot they took part in special assemblies to show their parents what they had learned. The classes also won gold awards in
the French speaking category at the Jersey Eisteddfod.
Now, a new French Network for staff is to be created so that other Jersey teachers can learn from the experience.
Bespoke training will also be offered to Jersey primary schools to support the continued expansion of French in schools.
Meanwhile, the Education Department has said it is due to consider a report from a working group set up to review plans for between 30 and 60 students to be taught a selection of their lessons in French at an existing States primary school.
Chief education officer Justin Donovan has previously said that once provisions were made, the school would provide a ‘centre of excellence’ for French teaching, which, it is hoped, would enable Jersey to become one of the best places in the world for learning the language.
The pilot scheme at Bel Royal and La Moye was supported by French specialist Rachael Surcouf, an experienced Jersey teacher, and two teachers from Normandy, who spent a week in the Island. Teaching resources were specifically developed, with advice from Alliance Française – a body that promotes cultural links with the country – and secondary students from Les Quennevais School were also involved.
Curriculum adviser Rachel Baxter, who organised the pilot programme, said: ‘Each pupil was assessed in French speaking, listening, reading and writing at the start and end of the programme and the progress made by the pupils has been magnificent. On average, the pupils have moved their French skill and understanding on by at least one year during just six weeks.
‘In each class there are also several pupils who, aged only nine or ten, have reached the standard expected for 11 or 12 year olds. More importantly, their levels of enthusiasm and engagement were fabulous.’
Mr Donovan said: ‘Improving French and other languages is one of the long-term aims of our business plan and this represents an important step forward. We hope to build on this success with more training for our teachers so that they are confident and well supported in teaching French to the highest possible level.’
And Education Minister Rod Bryans added that there were now more plans for the links with Normandy to continue.
