Language Policy

1. Purpose and Guiding Principles

This language policy outlines Concordia School Paris's approach to language learning, teaching, and communication. It reflects our commitment to developing learners who are confident, responsible, reflective, innovative and engaged, as well as our values of excellence, openness and biculturalism.

Concordia's bilingual (English–French) environment is a cornerstone of our educational identity. We believe that linguistic and cultural diversity enrich cognitive development, academic performance and international understanding.

This policy outlines how we ensure equitable access to learning and assessment for all students, regardless of their linguistic background.

2. Language of Instruction

Concordia delivers a bilingual curriculum in English and French for all subjects. English is the language of instruction for the Cambridge and English national programmes. French remains a key language of instruction and cultural literacy, in line with the French curriculum.

Some subjects are taught in one language, while others use a bilingual or dual-language approach to reinforce transfer between linguistic systems. Language allocation is reviewed annually to ensure balance and progression across grade levels. Interdisciplinary projects and bilingual assemblies promote the natural use of both languages in authentic contexts.

Language allocation for 2025/26

• French: Used for French literature, History-Geography.
• English: Used for English, Coding, Going Beyond, PSHE.
• Dual-language approaches: STEM, Maths, Art, Music, Physical Education may be taught in either language, depending on the context.

3. Identification and Support of Language Needs

Concordia has a clear policy in place to address the language needs of all learners. From the moment of admission, each student's proficiency in English and French is assessed through placement tests and teacher observation.

Learners identified as FLSco (French as a language of education) or as needing additional English support receive targeted support through differentiated teaching, small-group work, and individualised learning plans where appropriate.

4. Mother Tongue and Cultural Identity

Concordia recognises and celebrates the linguistic diversity of its community. Pupils are encouraged to maintain and develop their mother tongue. Multilingualism is seen as an asset, and home languages are valued in school life through cultural events, library resources and family engagement.

5. Assessment in Two Languages

Pupils are assessed in both English and French throughout their schooling. We prepare students for both French national qualifications (Brevet des Collèges, Baccalauréat) and Cambridge international qualifications (IGCSEs, A Levels, IB).