French

FRENCH

We aim to work on four main skills in the Target Language: listening, speaking, reading and writing. We do this through a variety of interactive activities, pair and group work, and using a range of familiar contexts. We also look at appreciation of cultural differences between us and other countries.

Students joining the school in Year 7 will be offered French or Spanish. They will learn this language through Years 7, 8 and 9, and continuation to GCSE is expected for most students. The topics studied build towards the GCSE course themes and provide foundation knowledge of grammatical structures and some of the key exam skills.

Skills / Knowledge / understanding

Listening – short passages to understand key information and some details

Speaking – spoken communication giving short pieces of information

Reading – short to medium-length texts to get key information and some details. Also translating from French into English.

Writing – producing short paragraphs covering 4 bullet points to communication key information and further details. Also translation from English into French.

Activities in lessons often cover several skills at once. We use a range of games and confidence-building tasks to help students get used to communicating in the language in all four skills. We also cover key aspects of grammar and sentence structure.

Topics usually focus on key cultural aspects of France and French-speaking countries.

Methods of assessments / accreditation structure

• Formal assessments – Cumulative Knowledge Tests – three times a year (terms 2, 4 and 6).
• Informal assessments e.g. vocab tests and class quizzes.
• Regular written tasks throughout each topic help to consolidate vocabulary and grammar taught in lessons.
• Use of homework tasks and online activities using the Pearson ActiveLearn and Seneca Learning platforms to build on knowledge and practise key skills.
• Use of written teacher feedback on extended writing, with follow-up lessons to allow students to act on this feedback.
• Verbal feedback throughout lessons, peer- and self-assessment of class activities..

How Parents and Carers can help

• Encourage your son/daughter to develop an interest in the French language and in French culture.
• Make sure that homework activities are completed, including online activities.
• Please look at your child’s French exercise book from time to time.
• Ensure your child brings the necessary equipment to each lesson (exercise book, pens, ruler, pencil).
• Purchase a small French dictionary to support students in school and at home.
• Help your child with regular revision and vocabulary learning to build up fluency and confidence.
• Test your child on key vocabulary using the word lists and resources provided.

FRENCH

Overview of course

Year 10 Programme of study

Term 1: Module 1 – “Qui suis-je?”

Describing myself, family & friends, marriage and partnerships, arranging to go out, role models

Term 2: Module 2 – “Le temps de loisirs”

Free time, technology, TV, films, reading, music, sports and leisure

Term 3: Module 3 – “Jours ordinaires, jours de fête”

Celebrations, festivals and traditions, food and mealtimes, clothing, daily routine

Term 4: Module 4 – “De la ville à la campagne”

Town, house and home, weather, describing your region, tourist information

Term 5: Module 5 – “Le grand large”

Holiday preferences, plans, accommodation, restaurants, describing a past holiday, dream holidays

Term 6: Module 6 – “Au collège”

School subjects and opinions, facilities, successes, visits, healthy living

Year 11 Programme of study

Term 1: Module 7 – “Au travail!”

Jobs, earning money, future plans, work experience, speaking languages, making job applications

Term 2: Module 8 – “Un œil sur le monde”

Global issues, charity and voluntary work, pressures and problems, lifestyle choices

Terms 3, 4 and 5: Revision of all topics and key exam skills. This will involve a range of past paper materials, revision and skills booklets.