C’est francais is for non-specialist teachers of French. This spiral-bound A4 book has 18 units of teacher’s notes and 69 black and white photocopiable pupil worksheets in one volume.

Some of the worksheets can be adapted for flashcards and games. All written instructions for pupils have an English equivalent underneath. Key words indicate the language pupils are expected to learn.

Lesson plans are based on “activities” and “further activities” sections designed to be adapted to suit local circumstances. A glossary provides straightforward grammatical explanations as well as cultural information.

A welcome component is a simple statement of learning objectives, which makes clear what pupils should beable to do at the end of each unit.

The cassette models pronunciation, provides questions and answers, and includes eight traditional songs. The artwork and ideas are similar to many key stage 3 courses, so a secondary department following up this primary languages scheme would need to ensure that its programme and resources were sufficiently different to continue to motivate the pupils.

A bonus is that the themes complement the QCA Schemes of Work for KS2. Some further proof reading is required, and the suggestion that the German flag is black, red and orange needs modification.

However, if you are looking for a carefully structured but flexible framework, with a clear and uncluttered layout, C’est francais promises to be an admirable resource.

Cynthia Martin is a lecturer in modern foreign language education at the University of Reading