French Programme of Study

The French curriculum at Copthorne is based on two syllabi. 

The first is used from Nursery to Year 4 and is based around the “la jolie ronde” syllabus.  The emphasis for these year groups is completely on the first two attainment targets of Listening and Speaking.  Familiarity with the written word is introduced as appropriate but there is no emphasis on this until year 5.  The aim of this is to instil confidence with the spoken language before introducing the more complex elements of Reading and Writing.

The second syllabus is based around the Galore Park publications: “So You Really Want to Learn French”.  This series is bespoke to Prep schools and includes all the necessary requirements of the ISEB syllabus for 13+ Common Entrance. This gives us an integrated, progressive programme of study that ultimately leads to Common Entrance.

The syllabus comprises four main areas for teaching and learning:

• LISTENING 
• SPEAKING
• READING
• WRITING