Bilingual Curriculum
Bilingual Stream
At Shaftesbury Park Primary School, we’re proud to offer a Bilingual Stream that allows children to learn French alongside their regular curriculum. Beyond just learning a new language, our Bilingual Stream provides students with many benefits, including higher academic achievement, better problem-solving skills, and a broader, more global perspective.
How We Teach the Bilingual Curriculum
In the Bilingual Stream, we follow the International Curriculum for subjects like science, history, and geography, but with a twist—these subjects are taught in French! While Literacy and Mathematics are always taught in English, all other subjects are delivered in French. This immersive approach helps children develop their French language skills naturally over time.
- Early Years: Children start their bilingual journey in Reception, learning through fun French games, activities, and songs.
- Primary Years: From Year 1 onwards, they continue to build their vocabulary and start working on French phonics. By Key Stage 2, they can read, write, and converse in French, applying their skills to more advanced topics.
- Advanced Learning: As they progress, children develop native-like proficiency and can handle French language tasks at a level expected in secondary school.
Assessment and Certification
- Language Ladders: We assess children’s progress in French using the Language Ladders framework, which breaks down language skills into listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and measures progress in each area.
- DELF Exam: Although not part of the UK curriculum, we offer our students the chance to sit the DELF exam, an internationally recognized French language diploma. We are now one of the largest examination centres in the UK.
Beyond the Classroom: Enriching French Language and Culture
- Social Curriculum: French isn’t just for the classroom! During playtimes, lunchtimes, and after school, French-speaking staff engage children in activities that reinforce their language skills in a fun, informal setting.
- Cultural Immersion: We celebrate French culture through events like l’Épiphanie and la Fête Nationale and collaborate with the Institut Français to provide authentic French experiences like cinema visits, plays, and workshops.
Benefits of the Bilingual Stream for Children:
- Enhanced Learning: Bilingual education can boost overall academic performance and cognitive abilities.
- Cultural Awareness: Students gain a deeper understanding and respect for other cultures, making them more globally minded.
- Language Proficiency: Children develop strong French language skills, which can benefit them in future education and career opportunities.
Our Bilingual Stream offers a unique and enriching education that prepares children not just for academic success, but also for a world that values cultural and linguistic diversity.