Why French?
By becoming proficient in French you will enhance your employment prospects. You will acquire a life skill which will facilitate foreign travel and your ability to learn other languages.
French may complement similar disciplines such as Spanish, or combine with Mathematics or Sciences to show a broad experience and qualifications.

Are there any recommendations for entry to the course?
You should have achieved at least a grade 6 at GCSE in French. You should also be keen to develop the knowledge and communication skills you acquired at GCSE. A desire to gain an insight into another culture and society is important.

What will I study?
In Lower Sixth, you will continue to improve the four skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. By developing your knowledge of appropriate words, phrases and grammar, you will be able to discuss the following topics: Media, Popular Culture, and Healthy Living/Lifestyle, Family/Relationships.

In Upper Sixth, you will build on the skills acquired the previous year and study the following topics: Environment, The Multicultural Society, Contemporary Issues, and Culture.
Within the Culture topic you may study a period of 20th century history in France; a French author such as Maupassant, Camus or Sartre; a poet or dramatist such as Molière or Racine; a French director such as Jean-Luc Goddard, Mathieu Kassovitz or Louis Malle; an architect, musician or painter such as Monet or Renoir.

How will I be assessed?
You are assessed via listening examinations (where you have control of what you hear), reading and writing examinations and an oral examination on each year’s work.

What can study of this subject lead to?
Almost anything! Some students will continue to study French at University, possibly combining it with another language or subject. French combines well with subjects such as Law, Business Studies, Marketing, Accountancy and Banking. Employers value highly a proficiency in French. Indeed, unemployment for Languages graduates is low.

Is there anything else I should know?
Authentic materials from newspapers, magazines, DVDs and the internet will be used for research into the chosen topics. There will also be an opportunity to do work experience in a French-speaking country.