In Year 7, we follow the Studio 1 course as an introduction to the French language and culture at secondary level. The following four skills are developed through a range of activities and resources
- listening
- speaking
- reading
- writing
French
Our aim is to promote a love of language learning and an appreciation of different cultures.
All pupils study French during Years 7 and 8.
Among departmental staff there is a visiting French Assistant who takes small groups for French conversation.
Year 7
Year 8
In Year 8, we follow the Studio 2 course. The following four skills are developed through a range of activities and resources
- listening
- speaking
- reading
- writing
This builds on the knowledge gained in Year 7.
Year 9
In Year 9, pupils can choose to continue their study of French. We continue to follow the Studio course, preparing pupils for the GCSE examination requirements.
GCSE
Pupils will follow the GCSE AQA specification (8658).
Subject Content
Pupils study all the following themes on which the assessments are based
- Theme 1: Identity and culture
- Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest
- Theme 3: Current and future study and employment
Assessment
GCSE French has a foundation tier and a higher tier. Pupils must take all four question papers at the same tier. All question papers must be taken in the same series.
- Speaking 25%
- Listening 25%
- Reading 25%
- Writing 25%
These are taught and assessed in the proportions shown, and a large part of the work in the classroom is conducted in the target language.
The resources used are designed to develop the pupil’s ability to communicate effectively in French and promote an understanding of the everyday life and culture of another country and its people.
Pupils use ICT resources each week to work independently on their listening and speaking skills. These skills are further enhanced through weekly sessions with the French Assistant.