This French video introduces teachers to the first unit of Year 5, which brings together language skills developed across the previous three years. The lesson begins with compass points, helping children practise both recognition and pronunciation. Teachers are reminded that not all endings follow the usual phonics rules: for example, nord has a silent final d, while sud pronounces the final consonant, and est and ouest both sound their final t. Another key point is that compass points do not take capital letters in French, unlike country names.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s French scheme – vocabulary. It demonstrates how compass vocabulary can be reinforced through practical and cross-curricular activities. The main task uses compass bearings to navigate a map and locate hidden treasure, which can be adapted into playground treasure hunts, maze-style classroom challenges, or interactive games. This not only helps secure children’s understanding of directional language in French but also strengthens their mathematical and geographical skills. In the next lesson, the children will build on this foundation to explore countries across the French-speaking world, combining language detective skills with their new compass knowledge.

French, Upper key stage 2, Year 5, Unit 4: French-speaking world, Lesson 1: Directions in French