French
Part of the vibrant languages department, our students benefit from outstanding language specialists, exciting and innovative approaches to language learning and develop a deep love for language and communication.
GCSE
By taking on French GCSE we hope to foster an interest in the language, always encouraging you to see that language learning is a stepping stone to different pathways. Language will give you a broader choice for your A Levels, courses at university, for travel or just communicating with people across the globe in the world’s fifth most spoken language.
What will I learn at GCSE?
You will be immersed into a French environment in the classroom, learning about France and French speaking cultures and societies. In the classroom you will be encouraged to take an active part in lessons and whether it be through authentic materials, conversations with peers, or even having visiting native speakers, you will have plenty of opportunities to practise your French. All GCSE French students have the extra opportunity for one-to-one, or paired speaking practice in our compulsory weekly speaking session as part of your language and exam learning.
How is the course structured?
Pupils are assessed in four different elements: Listening, Reading, Written and Spoken French. The course is divided into modules and topics: Identity and Culture, Local Area, Holiday and Travel, Education, Future Aspirations, Study and Work, International and global dimension. Each module is subdivided into different topics and grammar structures, relevant to each topic.
How is the course examined?
AQA Exam Board: At the end of Year 11 pupils will sit externally assessed exams depending on ability: Foundation or Higher Tier. Pupils are examined in all four aspects: Speaking is conducted internally by the subject teacher and assessed externally while the other three components, Listening, Reading and Writing are externally assessed.
A Level
With A Level French, students engage on all levels with France and francophone countries in the knowledge that the ability to communicate in another language is essential in our globalised world. A Level French is recognised as one of the highly regarded facilitating subjects for university applications.
What will I learn at A level?
Exploring the influence of the past on present-day French- speaking communities pupils study the rich cultural heritage of French-speaking countries through French texts, music and film. Choosing a text and film from the syllabus and researching for your Independent Research Project allows you agency and makes the study of the cultural aspect of the syllabus all the more exciting! You will learn to express yourself fluently and accurately in French and be encouraged to speak French at all times in class.
How is the course structured?
Lessons are conducted in the target language, although the more complex structures are explained in English. You will study contemporary society, looking at how French speaking society has been shaped socially and culturally. The study of French texts and film are vital to understanding French culture. There are seven lessons per week in Year 12 and in Year 13. 1-1 Conversation is timetabled allowing you to practise Speaking skills and to familiarise yourself with the Independent Research Project undertaken in Year 12 and completed at the end of Year 13. There is great emphasis on class participation, research and presentations.
How is the course examined?
Exam board: AQA. The course is linear with assessment in the four skills of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking are at the end of Year 13. The Speaking exam is generally conducted by your class teacher and moderated externally.
What could I do next?
Language courses at universities offer a year abroad, enabling you to make further steps beyond university. Past pupils have studied French with Mandarin, Business or Fashion. Research shows us that language graduates are highly sought after by employers.