Teach languages that connect people, cultures and ideas

Language opens doors – to new cultures, communities and ways of thinking. At Oak, we believe every pupil deserves the chance to grow into a confident communicator who can use language creatively and meaningfully, whatever their context. Our modern foreign languages curriculum and lesson resources help pupils do just that – in French, Spanish and German.

Developed by subject experts at Cam Academy Trust, Oak’s free, adaptable resources are designed and sequenced to save teachers hours of planning each week. They offer complete curriculum coverage for French and Spanish from key stage 2–4, and German from key stage 3–4. Explore more about our curriculum plans by subject.

Build strong foundations for confident expression

The Oak languages curriculum builds knowledge over time. Each lesson introduces new language in manageable steps – from words to confident expression. Grammar is broken down into bitesize chunks that are clearly explained and revisited often. Carefully planned sequences help pupils remember and apply what they’ve learned across new topics and contexts. For example in year 3 pupils start by using the verb to be in the I and he/she form and progress to year 6 where they can use key verbs and common regular verbs in a range of forms.

The approach is language-driven rather than topic-driven, so pupils continually revisit and recombine grammar, phonics and vocabulary. This gives them the tools to communicate with fluency and flexibility, whatever the situation.

If you’re a primary teacher, it’s worth knowing that Oak’s curriculum and resources are designed to give every primary teacher the confidence to teach modern foreign languages, whatever your level of expertise. Each lesson comes with clear explanations, audio from native speakers, vocabulary lists and also a model video of the lesson that builds your own understanding alongside your pupils’.

Useful language for real communication

At the heart of the curriculum is purposeful communication. Pupils learn high-frequency, practical vocabulary that allows them to express what they want to say in real situations. Clear explanations and authentic examples support understanding and encourage pupils to take ownership of their language and apply what they have learnt in any context.

Sound-spelling confidence

Accurate pronunciation is vital to building confidence. Oak’s resources use audio from native speakers and a consistent focus on sound–spelling patterns to help pupils listen carefully and speak accurately. Over time, they develop the confidence to understand and be understood – a key step towards becoming independent language learners.

Creative, inclusive and culturally rich

Language learning is about more than words on a page. It’s about connecting with people and perspectives. Oak’s curriculum celebrates the rich diversity of the Francophone, Hispanic and German-speaking worlds, celebrating the people, cultures and countries where languages are spoken, and helping pupils see the world, and themselves, reflected in what they learn.

• French – Pupils explore the Francophone world, from France to Senegal, Morocco and Haiti discovering how language connects diverse cultures. Through characters from different backgrounds, they encounter stories from the French Revolution to Concorde, seeing French as a living, global language. For example, a unit where pupils learn the language in the context of French-speaking Canada.
• Spanish – Lessons celebrate Spanish as a global language spoken across continents. Pupils meet voices from Spain, Bolivia and Peru, learning about figures such as Simón Bolívar, Manuela Sáenz and Frida Kahlo. Native speakers from varied ethnic groups reflect the global reach of Spanish.
• German – Pupils gain insights into heritage and identity, exploring topics from the division of East and West Germany to the use of German in Namibia. Oak’s characters include native speakers and those with Polish and Turkish heritage, helping pupils appreciate the diversity of modern German-speaking communities.

Designed for teachers, built for pupils

Our curriculum brings together deep subject and curriculum thinking to support your planning. Each unit is built on a clear, evidence-based sequence that supports strong pupil outcomes – and in key stage 4 it is aligned with AQA and Edexcel GCSE specifications. The result is a curriculum that builds knowledge, skills and confidence in a coherent, connected way. Teaching resources are designed to be adapted so you can adjust to suit your pupils and your school’s approach.

Support when you need it most: GCSE mock and revision lessons

We have specific French, German and Spanish GCSE lessons designed for the point in the curriculum when pupils are preparing for exams. They’re ideal for in-class teaching, targeted revision or independent study – giving you flexible resources to support pupils’ confidence and progress. Check out this French AQA unit or this German Edexcel unit and this AQA Spanish unit.

Personalise your lessons with Aila

If you want to personalise your lessons, our AI lesson assistant Aila can help. In an intuitive, step-by-step process, you’ll co-create lessons that start with your learning outcome and adapt for your pupils as you go. Personalise for reading age, add context for your classroom, and download fully editable lesson plans, slide decks, quizzes and worksheets - all in just minutes.

Whether introducing pupils to the first words of a new language or preparing them for GCSE, Oak’s modern foreign languages curriculum supports teachers to deliver lessons that inspire, engage and connect.