French
The French Department aims to support the whole curriculum, whilst still providing opportunities for French as a subject in its own right. We aim to teach in a meaningful context, providing pupils with experiences of using French creatively and with confidence.
SPECIFIC AIMS OF THE FRENCH DEPARTMENT
The French Department aims to:
- foster pupils’ knowledge and appreciation of the French language and culture;
- provide an enjoyable environment which allows pupils to develop a suitable level of competence in spoken and written French;
- encourage pupils to develop personal qualities, such as self-confidence, independence and effective communication;
- develop pupils’ ability to comprehend and present information effectively through the medium of French;
- enable pupils to develop transferable communication skills that can be used in a series of situations and across various subjects.
Staff member:
Ms C McDonnell
Key Stage 3:
At Key Stage 3, French is delivered over two periods per week.
YEAR 8
In Year 8, pupils study the following topics:
- Describing Self
- Classroom Objects
- Colours
- Family
- Animals
- Where you live
- Hobbies
YEAR 9
In Year 9, pupils study the following topics:
- Time
- Places in Town /Directions
- Food and Drink
- Daily Routine
- School /After School
- Hobbies
- Holidays
YEAR 10
In Year 10, pupils study the following topics:
- Employability
- Weather
- Free Time
- Clothing
- Food and Drink
- Holidays
- Technology
In Years 8,9 and 10 all pupils study French. They can continue the study of their chosen language(s) to GCSE level.
Key Stage 4:
At Key Stage 4, the French Department offers French at GCSE Level. Pupils follow the CCEA specification.
Pupils will be examined on their knowledge of the language within the following contexts for learning:
- Context 1: The Individual
- Context 2: Citizenship
- Context 3: Employability
Pupils will be assessed in the four main skill areas of: Speaking, Writing, Listening and Reading.
Unit 1: Speaking (30%)
This unit aims to develop pupils’ confidence with the spoken language and to increase their vocabulary in French. Pupils are required to engage meaningfully with the preparation of the task and practice pronunciation regularly in class and at home. This unit is assessed in the form of two oral pieces of Controlled Assessment. Pupils will have 3-4 hours to prepare for the task in school and 4-6 minutes to complete the final assessment for this unit. Pupils will complete one piece in Year 11 and another piece in Year 12. Pupils’ work in this unit will be internally assessed and externally moderated.
Unit 2: Writing (30%)
This unit aims to enhance pupils’ written ability in French and to increase their awareness of grammar and structures. Pupils are required to embrace key grammatical issues and to focus on developing their vocabulary. Pupils are also encouraged to present justified opinions and to write for a particular purpose or audience. This unit is assessed in the form of two written pieces of Controlled Assessment. Pupils will have 5-6 hours to prepare for the task and 1 hour to complete the assessment for this unit. Pupils will complete one piece in Year 11 and another piece in Year 12. Pupils’ work in this unit will be externally assessed.
Unit 3: Listening (20%)
This unit aims to enable pupils to understand gist, identify main points and detail, recognize points of view, attitudes and emotions, and draw conclusions. Pupils are required to engage in a range of listening exercises during the two-year course as well as actively seeking out further opportunities outside of the classroom on the internet, TV, radio or language apps. This unit is assessed in the form of a Listening exam. Pupils will have 45 minutes to complete the assessment for this unit. Assessment of this unit will take place at the end of Year 12. Pupils’ work in this unit will be externally assessed.
Unit 4: Reading (20%)
This unit aims to provide pupils with a variety of items of stimulus material in French and develop their ability to respond to comprehension activities. Pupils are required to engage meaningfully with the written language on a regular basis and, under exam conditions, respond to exercises involving gap filling, vocabulary selection or answering in French/English. This unit is assessed in the form of a written examination. Pupils will have 50 minutes to complete the assessment for this unit. Assessment of this unit will take place at the end of Year 12. Pupils’ work in this unit will be externally assessed.