French
The Languages department’s aim is to help students of all abilities to use language effectively for the purpose of practical communication and, in so doing, to develop self-confidence and an awareness of how language works. We encourage students to gain insights into the culture and civilisation of other countries. We hope this will help develop positive attitudes to foreign language learning and to speakers of foreign languages. We aim to create a feeling of enjoyment and achievement in all students and help them acquire skills and language necessary for further study, whether it is for leisure or work.
Key Stage 3
Does the French Department follow the National Curriculum? |
Yes |
The Key Stage 3 French course gives students the building blocks needed for their future languages studies. The teaching methods of Dr Gianfranco Conti are utilised to ensure that students build up layers of skill as they progress through the Key Stage. Past, present and future tenses are taught in the context of the following topics: talking about myself and others, my hobbies, talking about food, talking about clothes, describing where I live and talking about holidays.
Key Stage 4
Students follow the AQA GCSE specification if they opt to take French at Key Stage 4. The course allows students to develop their skills and knowledge in the four key areas of the language; listening, reading, speaking and writing, and each discipline is worth 25% of their overall grade. Topics covered over the two years include: me, my family and friends, technology in everyday life, free-time activities, customs and festivals in French-speaking countries/communities, home, town, neighbourhood and region, social issues, education post-16 and jobs, career choices and ambitions.
Further information about the GCSE French specification use the following link:
AQA | Languages | GCSE | French
Key Stage 5
French is offered at A Level and students follow the AQA specification. A Level French builds on the skills taught at GCSE and develops an understanding of the current issues in French society. Some of the topics students will study include the “cyber-society”, the place of voluntary work, French heritage, Francophone music, Francophone cinema, positive features of a diverse society, and life for the marginalised. In the second year of the course, students will study “No et moi” by Delphine de Vigan and a French film, “La Haine” by Mathieu Kassovitz. They will also undertake an Individual Research Project on a theme of their choice linked to the French-speaking world in preparation for their oral examination.
For further information about the A Level French specification use the following link: