Subject Overview

French is the language of culture. It enriches the mind, and opens up new horizons to the worlds of fashion, gastronomy, the arts and science. It is a major language of international communication spoken in 29 countries across five continents. Our aim in Glenlola is to give our pupils the best knowledge of French and the skills to use it effectively in the French-speaking world. We focus on embedding key vocabulary and grammatical structures from the outset, challenging our pupils through fun and engaging activities and resources. Through high expectations and strong support, we strive to motivate our pupils to achieve their full potential in every aspect of their learning in French.

 Key Stage 3

French is a compulsory subject at Key Stage 3.  In Year 8, pupils have six hours of French per fortnight, in Year 9, three hours, and in Year 10, four hours.

Pupils in Years 8 to 10 follow the Tricolore Total course which is supplemented by departmental booklets, songs, videos, games, ICT resources (such as Quizlet) and a wide range of other resources to enhance learning. This course develops the skills of Speaking, Reading, Listening and Writing, and provides our pupils with an excellent foundation of vocabulary and grammar should they decide to continue to Key Stage 4.

Key Stage 4

French is optional at Key Stage 4. Pupils must choose at least one foreign language from French, German or Spanish.

Pupils studying French for GCSE build on the skills and capabilities developed throughout Key Stage 3. Our aim is also to support progression to AS and A level study, further or higher education, vocational training and employment.

We follow the CCEA French specification, studying the following contexts:

1. Identity, Lifestyle and Culture;
2. Local, National, International and Global Areas of interest;
3. School life, Studies and the World of Work.

Within these Contexts French is used to:

• understand and respond to different types of spoken language
• communicate and interact effectively in speech
• understand and respond to different types of written language
• communicate in writing

Key Stage 5

French is optional at Key Stage 5.  It is expected that pupils advancing to this level will have achieved a very good grade at GCSE level.

At A level we aim to:

• develop an enthusiasm for and an understanding of the French language and culture in a variety of contexts and genres
• communicate confidently, clearly and effectively in the French language for a range of purposes
• develop knowledge and understanding of societal, political and cultural issues in French speaking countries
• draw together different areas of linguistic competence, skills and understanding
• develop higher order thinking skills, for example independent learning and analytical and evaluative thinking
• carry out research and present their findings through multi-media presentations
• develop advanced study skills that help them prepare for third level education
• provide extended responses and evidence of quality of written communication
• engage critically with intellectually stimulating films, texts and other materials
• demonstrate that they understand and can use French at a high level to discuss and reflect on aspects of society, politics and culture

AS LEVEL

At AS level, we study the following themes:

• Relationships;
• Culture and Lifestyle.

A2 LEVEL

The themes for A2 are:

• Young people and society
• Our place in a changing world

http://www.rewardinglearning.org.uk/microsites/french/

Career Opportunities

An increasing number of degree courses in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, engineering and law are looking for students with a breadth of knowledge. Many express a particular interest in candidates with the required science background at A level coupled with a further rigorous academic subject. French can meet these demands and enhance the possibility of a placement abroad as part of a degree course.  In addition to this, pupils who study French are considered to have well-developed interpersonal skills, greater travel potential, greater capabilities to establish business partnerships and access export markets, and, as a result, have access to more job opportunities.

Although especially useful for jobs in business, management, travel and tourism, language skills are an essential part of professional life in general and are relevant to a wide range of varied professions such as:

• Translation
• Travel and Tourism
• Banking
• Teaching
• Journalism
• Marketing
• Civil Service
• Law
• Lecturing
• Interpreting
• Business and Retail
• Diplomatic Service