The Black Country Schools Federation

At The Black Country Schools, we believe that learning a foreign language is a vital life skill that broadens horizons, enhances cultural awareness, and builds confident communicators. Through the CUSP French Curriculum, pupils develop fluency, oracy, and a deep appreciation of global cultures.

Our Intent

The CUSP French curriculum ensures pupils:

• Speak with increasing confidence, fluency, and spontaneity
• Read and write French with accuracy and understanding
• Master vocabulary, grammar, and phonics systematically
• Learn about French-speaking cultures and traditions
• Build long-term retention through structured retrieval

We are proud to be working towards the Quality Mark for French, recognising our commitment to excellence in modern foreign language education.

Curriculum Overview

French is taught from Years 3 to 6, with six teaching blocks per year. Each block is structured across six weeks: five weeks of content and one week for consolidation and enrichment.

Weekly Structure:

This sequence ensures pupils build competence over time and apply learning in multiple contexts.

Key Curriculum Components

1. Vocabulary and Phonics

• Systematic teaching of high-frequency words
• Explicit instruction in French phonemes
• Knowledge Notes to support memory retention

2. Oracy

• Structured speaking and listening routines
• Role-play, dialogue, and oral rehearsal
• Pronunciation practice through modelling and repetition

3. Reading

• Comprehension of short texts and factual information
• Exposure to sentence structure and grammatical forms
• Cultural reading linked to geography and tradition

4. Writing

• Sentence construction and grammar application
• Spoken language as a precursor to writing
• Retrieval practice to embed knowledge

Cultural and Global Learning

Cultural knowledge is embedded throughout. Pupils learn about:

• French customs, daily life, and celebrations
• Significant figures and landmarks
• Francophone countries beyond Europe

To deepen this learning, we also host a CUSP Food Festival, where pupils explore French cuisine, prepare traditional dishes, and learn about the cultural significance of food.

Assessment

CUSP French uses formative assessment to build pupil confidence and track understanding:

• Oral pronunciation checks and speaking tasks
• Listening and reading comprehension
• Sentence-building and grammar application
• Retrieval quizzes to reinforce long-term learning

Flexible content weeks are used to revisit misconceptions and secure understanding.

Inclusion and Differentiation

The curriculum is designed to be accessible for all learners, with:

• Dual-coded visual support materials
• Scaffolded routines and structured discussion
• Flexible pacing to meet pupil needs
• Emphasis on practical interaction and role-play

The Impact

By the end of Year 6, pupils are:

• Confident French speakers and writers
• Knowledgeable about global cultures and traditions
• Equipped for continued language learning at secondary school
• Proud of their ability to express themselves in another language

Further Information

For:

• CUSP French curriculum overviews
• Knowledge documents and phonics resources
• Enrichment opportunities and CPD

Please contact the CUSP team at cusp@unitysp.co.uk