FRENCH

Through studying a modern foreign language, students will develop their ability and ambition to communicate with native speakers in speech and writing. They will also broaden their horizons, stepping beyond familiar cultural boundaries and will develop new ways of seeing the world.

To build on previous learning from years 7 and 8, pupils in year 9 continue with their middle school language. Pupils can then choose this language at GCSE and A level.

KEY STAGE 3

Pupils will thoroughly enjoy their French in year 9. We learn about the language, the people and the traditions of French-speaking countries. Pupils will be able to express their opinions on a range of topics such as the pros and cons of social media; the importance of health and fitness; disastrous holiday experiences of others; career ambitions in the future. We also look at cultural aspects such as carnival, Christmas and Easter.

à bientôt

KEY STAGE 4

AQA Exam Board

The course is assessed through four papers, each worth 25{0fa29e37a5ff5b819bc9d205477dcf2080d55da20457d57d8c85d351a6dec1cb} of the overall GCSE grade.  All assessment is at the end of Year 11.

  • Reading: answer questions in both English and the target language
  • Listening: answer questions in both English and the target language
  • Speaking: a role play, a photo card and general conversation on the topics studied
  • Writing: translation from English into target language and two structured writing tasks (90 words and 150 words)

The exams are divided into two tiers: Foundation and Higher

Course Content

The course is made up of three themes:

Identity and culture. Topics such as “Me, my family and friends”, “Technology in everyday life” and “Free-time activities”.

Local, national, international and global areas of interest. Topics such as “Home, town, neighbourhood and region”, “Social issues”, “Global issues” and “Travel and tourism”.

Current and future study and employment. Topics such as “My Studies”, “Life at school”, “Education Post-16” and “Jobs, career choices and ambitions”.

Useful Subject and Revision Websites

www.languagesonline.org.uk
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize
www.memrise.com
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/gcse/french-8658

Exam Success

French GCSE – All Higher tier candidates achieved grade 5 or above. Speaking results above national average.

KEY STAGE 5

Exam Board

AQA A-Level Exam to be sat at the end of Year 13

Paper 1: 2h 30mins – Listening, Reading, Translation

Paper 2: 2h  – Writing (two 300-word essays)

Paper 3: 21-23mins – Speaking (with 5mins prep)

Course Content

At Key Stage 5 students, the core content includes:

1. Social issues and trends

2. Political and Artistic Culture

3. Grammar

Throughout the two-year course, students will also study a film and a book in their chosen language.  They will write an essay on each in their Writing exam.

The Speaking exam includes the presentation of the student’s Individual Research Project.  During Year 13 students chose their own project related to a target language speaking country. The topic chosen can be anything from a favourite artist, region, film, book to a political issue or a historical figure. 

Useful Subject & Revision Websites

www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/as-and-a-level/french-7652
www.s-cool.co.uk/a-level/french
www.memrise.com
www.frenchrevision.co.uk/

Exam Success

French A-Level – 100{0fa29e37a5ff5b819bc9d205477dcf2080d55da20457d57d8c85d351a6dec1cb} results A*. Significantly better than national average.

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural education is a natural focus of MFL due to the nature of the subject.  We teach about people, their relationships and their interactions with others.  Through our use of current authentic materials students are often exposed to cultural differences between the UK and the countries of the language that we are studying.

Spiritual

Pupils in all years study the religious festivals celebrated in other countries. We look at the meaning and significance of these and compare with our own celebrations. This is done in the target language.

Moral

It is important to understand the different societies in the countries which speak the languages we study as well as the words.  We look at stereotypes.  All year groups look at the topic of the environment.  We consider an individual’s responsibility in environmental issues and solutions to problems.  In Key Stage 5 we discuss immigration, poverty, racism and criminality.

Social

We teach students to understand society and the roles and responsibilities of an individual. We achieve this by exploring prejudice, healthy lifestyles, the pros and cons of marriage, homelessness and unemployment.

Culture

We aim to make all of our students understand the meaning, nature and value of our multicultural society.  Through our extra-curricular events we aim to promote this further.  Examples include:

  • Visits to France, Germany and Spain
  • Pen pal exchanges with our partner school in Epernay
  • Participation in European Day of Languages
  • Visits to local universities to participate in Language events

Subject Club

International club runs on a Thursday lunchtime in the Library.  Here like minded students discuss and share their knowledge of other cultures, play games and organise whole school events.  We hope to develop links with schools in other countries during the academic year 2018-19.

Contribution to Wider Curriculum

Developing excellent translation skills in a MFL helps promote literacy standards in English.

Extra-Curricular

World Cinema Club meets monthly