> The course used to be in Java, but switched to Python two years ago.

Why? Are they all comfortable with the english language? Why not find a french language PL and teach them that?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linotte

I'm guessing all the libraries, documentation, etc would be in french.

> It's intended for complete beginners and aims at explaining basic CS concepts through Python.

Why would you use a programming language to teach basic CS concepts? Also, does it have to be fun? Must we be having fun at all times?