French

We aspire to expose our pupils to a broad and ambitious French curriculum, which is rich in skills and knowledge, acquisition, seeking to develop self- efficacy, kindle curiosity and promotes promotes diversity and tolerance of other cultures so that our students:

  • have a love for French language and culture of learning 
  • are inspired to continue learning languages at KS4 and KS5 
  • are confident applying their new learnt skills 
  • achieve positive exam outcomes

Also, our French curriculum aims to:

  • develop a coherent programme of studies that challenges all students
  • develop students’ confidence in language learning 

Key Stage 3

The French curriculum content is extensive and engaging, giving students the opportunity to explore ideas and manipulate language through a wide array of themes from the French speaking world. The French curriculum builds on the foundations of language learning established at key stage 2, irrespective of whether pupils continue with the same language or take up a new one. Our exciting curriculum focuses on developing the breadth and depth of pupils’ competence in listening, speaking, reading and writing, based on a sound foundation of core grammar, phonics and vocabulary. By the end of year 9 students will be able to understand and communicate personal and factual information the present, past and future tenses as well as being able to develop and justify points of view in speech and writing, with increased spontaneity, independence and accuracy.

What will students learn?

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Term 1

  • Return to school
  • In the classroom

 

Term 2

  • Free time
  • In the city

 

Term 3

  • Free time in the present tense
  • Home life

 

 

Term 1

  • Holidays
  • Describing festivals in the past

 

Term 2

  • Free time activities (three tenses)
  • Where I live

 

Term 3

  • Sports

 

Term 1

  • After school activities and friend
  • Future projects

 

Term 2

  • Music preferences
  • Healthy lifestyles and lobal issues

 

Term 3

  • La Francophonie

 

How will students be assessed?

Students’ learning is varied with a focus each year on mid- term and end of module assessments. 

Mid- term assessments will focus on productive skills and will have both a formative and summative purpose.

At the end of each module, students will sit a summative assessment.  They will receive individual feedback with clear targets based on their age-related level. In each unit of work, lessons include opportunities for students to develop their reading, writing and speaking and listening skills.  All of which are formally assessed at GCSE.

Key Stage 4

French in Year 10 and 11 is taught in mixed ability groups. Support is provided for all, proficiency levels with clear differentiated outcomes and learning objectives, regular stretch and challenge tasks and targeted intervention. At GCSE, we use the AQA examining board. As students continue making progress, it is an expectation that they will be able to apply new and prior language in all four modalities (listening, reading, speaking and writing). Key areas of social and historical context are also taught so that students develop a more detailed knowledge and understanding of the French speaking word.

What will students learn?

Year 10

Year 11

Term 1

  • Me, my family and friends
  • Technology in everyday life

 

Term 2

  • Free time activities
  • Costumes and festivals

 

Term 3

  • Home, town, neighbourhood and region
  • Mock Exam revision

 

Term 1

  • Social and global issues
  • Mock Exam revision

 

Term 2

  • Travel and tourism
  • School, studies, job careers and future ambitions
  • Revision

 

Term 3

  • Revision

 

 

How is the course assessed?

The syllabus is exam-based, so there is an emphasis on vocabulary, grammar and phonics learning. 

Students sit an end of unit assessment for each element of the course for which they are given both formative and summative feedback.  In Year 11, students also have mid- term assessment rehearsals which aim to build confidence and resilience in exam conditions.

Students sit an exam per modality at the end of Year 11 which results in one GCSE grade. Each modality, Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing, make 25% of the l final overall grade.