At Baydon we have chosen to use the Kapow scheme of work in Key Stage 2. The French scheme of work aims to instil a love of language learning and an awareness of other cultures. We want pupils to develop the confidence to communicate in French for practical purposes, using both written and spoken French.

Through our scheme of work, we aim to give pupils a foundation for language learning that encourages and enables them to apply their skills to learning further languages, developing a strong understanding of the English language, facilitating future study and opening opportunities to study and work in other countries in the future.

The French scheme of work supports pupils to meet the National curriculum end of Key stage 2 attainment targets.

Whilst there is no Key stage 1 attainment targets for Languages we ensure that pupils are exposed and have opportunities to use basic vocabulary during reception and Key Stage 1 ensuring they have a basis to build their learning on when they enter the more formal French curriculum.

Key Stage 2 Broad and Balanced Curriculum

Baydon St Nicholas CE VA Primary School French Programme of Study KS2 2026-2027

The strands

The knowledge strands of phonics, vocabulary and grammar, often referred to as the three pillars of progression.

There are also two complementary skills strands:

• Language comprehension.
• Language production.

Additionally, pupils develop cultural awareness throughout the French curriculum.

Progression

Baydon St Nicholas French Skill and Knowledge Progression using the Kapow Scheme

Types of knowledge within the scheme

Knowledge is defined differently depending on the subject in question. Ofsted’s Languages research review helps to define the following language knowledge strands as ‘pillars of progression’:

• Phonics
• Vocabulary
• Grammar

Phonics

The Kapow Primary French curriculum features a comprehensive French phonics programme. This ensures the explicit teaching of critical phonemes, with a focus on both pronunciation and the sound-spelling relationship.

Pupil phoneme videos presented by native speakers support this learning by explicitly teaching common French phonemes. The videos introduce pupils to the phonemes and, in the ‘mouth mechanics’ section of the video, provide an in-depth look at the shape of the mouth during the articulation of each sound.

Vocabulary

As recommended by the Ofsted research review, the Kapow Primary French scheme systematically introduces the most commonly used words within familiar sentence structures and patterns. It then provides opportunities for pupils to revisit previously learned vocabulary in different contexts.

This approach allows the children to commit these high-value words to their long-term memory. Many topic words are also introduced to provide a variety of meaningful contexts; however, less attention is given to memorising these.

For example, when a pupil learns how to say ‘I have a…’, ‘I am…’ or ‘I like…’, the most important knowledge is the sentence pattern and the verb, as the nouns can be swapped.

Grammar

Developing grammatical understanding through a carefully planned progression of key structures is the bedrock of the Kapow Primary French scheme.

Grammar is explicitly taught and systematically revisited to ensure that basic structures are committed to memory before more complex ones are introduced.

Wider Knowledge and Skills

Digital literacy

Digital literacy in French supports pupils in using technology purposefully to support language learning, from listening to native speakers to creating digital presentations. It helps them engage critically with authentic French content online and communicate responsibly in a connected world.

Oracy

Through Kapow Primary’s French curriculum, pupils have opportunities to develop their oracy skills by:

• Developing the physical skills required for speech by utilising their voice, body language, and facial expressions to better communicate in French.
• Explicitly considering the role of syntax in French communication and reflecting on the differences with English to deepen understanding.
• Role-playing as French speakers to practise conversational skills.
• Questioning and responding in French to develop communication skills.
• Interpreting the speech of native French speakers, learning to gist and summarise meaning.
• Listening to native French speakers and peers to enhance listening skills.
• Collaborating in groups and turn-taking during conversations.

Sustainability

The Kapow Primary French curriculum develops an awareness of environmental issues by linking language learning to real-world topics, including climate change and sustainable living.

Pupils learn to express ideas about protecting the environment and consider how global action affects French-speaking communities.

Critical thinking

Pupils analyse authentic French language and media, exploring how meaning and viewpoint can vary across French-speaking cultures.

This encourages them to think critically, question assumptions and form balanced conclusions about the wider world.

Personal Development within French lessons

The scheme supports SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural) development by encouraging children to:

• Explore different perspectives.
• Reflect on ethical issues.
• Collaborate with others.
• Appreciate cultural diversity through subject-specific content.

British values

Lessons promote British values (democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance) by incorporating activities that encourage debate, respect for differing opinions and an understanding of societal structures.

Cultural capital

Kapow Primary’s French curriculum broadens pupils’ experiences by immersing them in the language, culture and heritage of France and the wider Francophone world.

The scheme helps pupils appreciate cultural diversity, develop global awareness and communicate with confidence in an increasingly connected society.

Inclusion and Diversity

Kapow Primary’s French scheme has been designed to represent a wide range of cultures, communities and perspectives from across the French-speaking world.

Where appropriate, the historical and cultural influences on the French language and its global presence are explored.

The scheme’s visual and textual content is inclusive and representative of diverse people and places, challenging stereotypes and outdated views of French-speaking cultures.

Within sensitive units, questions have been included to support children’s lived experiences and backgrounds.

The Kapow Primary French scheme supports children in appreciating the richness of the French language, the diversity of cultures where it is spoken, and the connections between different communities around the world.

SEND

Kapow Primary’s French scheme is designed to be fully adaptable for pupils with SEND.

Every lesson includes an adaptive teaching section, providing clear guidance on how activities can be modified to meet the needs of all pupils.

Children learn in a variety of ways. As such, Kapow Primary French lessons include a range of strategies to support and challenge every pupil, such as:

Scaffolding – activities are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing for additional support or challenge where needed.

Multi-sensory approaches – lessons incorporate different elements to engage all learners.

Clear instructions and structured tasks – ensuring clarity and reducing cognitive load for pupils who benefit from additional support.

Opportunities for collaborative and independent learning – allowing pupils to work at their own pace while building confidence and independence.

By embedding adaptive teaching throughout, the scheme ensures that all pupils, regardless of their starting points, can access and succeed in their learning.

In addition, the step-by-step curriculum design supports pupils with SEND, avoiding sudden jumps in complexity at transition points and allowing for steady, manageable progression.

Impact and Assessment

Formative

Kapow Primary French lessons include ongoing assessment opportunities, such as questioning, retrieval practice and interactive activities.

These enable teachers to assess understanding in real time and adapt their teaching accordingly.

Summative

Each unit provides an Assessment quiz and Knowledge catcher, which allow teachers to measure pupils’ understanding at key points.

These tools help gauge how well pupils have retained key knowledge and skills over time.

How we assess impact within lessons

• Formative assessment is embedded throughout Kapow Primary French lessons to ensure that teachers can gauge pupils’ understanding in real time and adapt their teaching accordingly.
• Questioning – lesson plans include targeted and open-ended questions to check understanding, promote critical thinking and address misconceptions.
• Observation – teachers are supported to observe pupils during tasks, noting how they approach activities, collaborate and apply language skills.
• Discussion and peer interaction – pair and group discussions are built into lessons, providing opportunities for pupils to articulate their thinking and for teachers to assess understanding through dialogue.
• Lesson pauses – plans include strategic pause points for checking comprehension, summarising learning and addressing any common errors before progressing.
• Retrieval practice – recap activities such as short recall tasks and oral explanations are embedded to reinforce prior knowledge and assess retention.
• Use of success criteria – success criteria are shared within lessons, allowing pupils to self-assess or peer-assess their work and reflect on their progress.
• Short reflections in the Wrapping up – lessons end with brief written or verbal reflections, enabling pupils to consolidate learning and teachers to gauge understanding.

Evidencing Impact

Written outcomes

Pupils demonstrate their learning and provide tangible evidence of progress through a variety of activities, including structured written work and creative responses.

Pupil voice

Lessons encourage discussion, reflection and verbal explanations.

This allows teachers to capture pupils’ understanding through questioning, class discussions and recorded responses, supporting a broader view of progress beyond written work.

Assessment spreadsheet

The Assessment spreadsheet helps to help track pupils’ French attainment over time.

This tool, which we have integrated the statements within our INSIGHT whole school tracking system, allows teachers to track progress against learning objectives and assessment statements, making it easier to monitor development and identify areas for support.