French Curriculum Rationale

At Littlebourne CEP School, our French curriculum is thoughtfully designed to provide a progressive, inclusive, and aspirational language learning experience that fully meets the requirements of the National Curriculum for Modern Foreign Languages. We have adopted a blended approach using the Kapow scheme of work alongside carefully self-designed units. Kapow provides a robust, well-sequenced framework that supports pupils to achieve the end of key stage expectations by building progressively on vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and cultural understanding.

Given our unique class structure, which includes mixed-age Year 2/3 and Year 4/5 classes, we have adapted and supplemented the Kapow scheme with bespoke units. These adaptations allow us to revisit and reinforce key language concepts through strategic repetition, ensuring that pupils consolidate prior learning before moving on to new material. This approach is particularly appropriate for our pupils, who come from diverse backgrounds including 15% EAL learners and a significant proportion of pupils who have been with us since Reception. Our curriculum design thus supports continuity and progression tailored to the needs of all learners, including those who may require additional reinforcement to secure fluency and confidence in French.

The curriculum is aspirational in that it encourages pupils to develop not only linguistic skills but also cultural awareness and curiosity about the wider world, directly supporting our school vision to empower lifelong learners who flourish under God’s guidance. By fostering communication skills and confidence in a modern foreign language, we prepare pupils to engage meaningfully with global communities, nurturing their courage and respect in a diverse society.

Whole School Aims

Our French curriculum is deeply aligned with Littlebourne’s vision and values. We foster a nurturing and inclusive environment where pupils act with compassion and respect, mirroring the example of Jesus. Through learning French, pupils develop koinonia—a sense of community—as they collaborate and communicate in a new language. This supports our vision to grow and thrive together, enabling pupils to become respectful, lifelong learners who are ready to serve their neighbours beyond the school community.

The curriculum also reflects our school’s improvement priorities by embedding high expectations for knowledge retention and application, ensuring pupils remember more and can apply prior learning confidently. It promotes a culture of readiness, respect, and safety by encouraging pupils to engage positively and respectfully with different cultures and languages, thereby broadening their personal development and global outlook.

Subject Vision

We teach French at Littlebourne to equip pupils with essential communication skills that open doors to new cultures, ideas, and perspectives. Our intent is that every pupil develops a strong foundation in French that builds progressively and is accessible to all, regardless of their starting point or background. We aim for pupils to leave Littlebourne with enthusiasm for language learning, the ability to express themselves confidently in French, and an appreciation of cultural diversity.

This vision aligns with the school’s improvement priorities by focusing on securing strong knowledge acquisition, ensuring pupils make consistent progress through carefully planned repetition and consolidation. It also supports the development of leadership at all levels by encouraging pupils to take responsibility for their own learning and to support peers in language acquisition, thus nurturing resilience and confidence.