French

The French Department nurtures assured, independent linguists with a deep understanding of French culture and the skills to communicate clearly and confidently in another language.

Students are inspired to produce excellent standards of work, developing high levels of core knowledge and striving to achieve the best results they can. Language trips and exchange programmes are popular with pupils, who enjoy immersing themselves in French culture and practising their language skills in real-world situations.

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Key Stage 3 students are taught languages for a total of six periods a fortnight, including French, German and Spanish, with 30 minutes of homework set every week. Students develop their proficiency in French vocabulary and grammar, and six times a year (once in every half term) two of the following skills are assessed: listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Year 7

Personal information. School. Leisure activities. My local environment. Holidays.

Year 8

New technologies. A visit to Paris. Identity and relationships. At home. Food and drink.

Year 9

Social media. Health and fitness. Future careers. Adventure holidays. Environment: problems and solutions.

Key Stage 4 students are taught for five periods a fortnight, and receive two 30 minute homework assignments every week. Listening, reading and writing examinations take place at the end of Year 11, along with a speaking examination conducted by one of the Department teachers. Students are entered at either Foundation (Grades 1-5) or Higher Tier (Grades 4-9).

Year 10

Identity and culture. Local, national, international and global areas of interest.

Year 11

Local, national, international and global areas of interest. Current and future study and employment.

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Two sixth form students in class

A Level French students are taught for nine periods a fortnight, plus one lesson a week (individually or in pairs) with the French Language Assistant. Three examinations are taken at the end of Year 13: listening, reading and writing (2 hours 30 minutes); writing on film and literature (2 hours); and speaking (20 minutes).

Entry requirement

Grade 7 GCSE French.

Year 12

Family life. Technology and society. Voluntary sector. Cultural heritage. Contemporary French music. Introduction to cinema and literature.

Year 13

Current social issues. Political life. Study of a literary text. Study of a film.

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There are numerous opportunities to take part in language trips throughout the Key Stages, which provide enjoyable opportunities to experience French culture and extend classroom learning. Year 8 and 9 pupils visit the PGL Centre Chateau du Tertre in Normandy every two years, and Year 10 and 12 students take part in an annual exchange programme; the French leg of which takes place in June, most recently at Cholet with Lycée Sainte-Marie students. Year 12 and 13 students are offered the opportunity to undertake a week of work experience in France.

Head of French

Alex Gregory [email protected]