French Department

French Exchange

Stepping off a train preparing for a week of a different language, culture and lifestyle was, I have to admit, terrifying. But it was exciting too, and the time flew by way too fast. We stayed in the gorgeous, rural town of Moulins, and whilst going out, playing games at the weekend and enjoying all kinds of amazing French food, I became great friends with my correspondent and her generous family. They were all so lovely to be around and I know that she will be a lifelong friend. Whilst in France, I could feel my conversational and speaking skills improving rapidly. I hadn’t expected to dream in French! Ultimately, the main thing for me to say is that no matter what your worries may be, the French exchange is the best way to make new friends, improve your French and experience a whole other culture. If you are given the opportunity to participate on the exchange, I recommend that you grab it with both hands because I have found it a truly amazing experience – one that I will never forget.

Ella Kaut-Howson 10D

Oxford Competition

On Friday 3rd March, a selection of pupils in Years 7 to 10 were invited to take part in the French film essay competition organised annually by the University of Oxford and whose aim is to enable pupils studying French to embrace the world of French cinema.

To enter the competition, students were asked to re-write the ending of a film. This year’s film was MicMacs à tire-larigot, from French director JeanPierre Jeunet (most famous for Amélie). After watching the first hour of the film, pupils were sent off to create a new ending, which had to be plausible yet imaginative. It colud take the form of a screen-play, a play-script or even a YouTube entry! We were delighted to hear from the judges that Carol Habib in Year 7 had been awarded a commendation by the panel for her entry in the Year 7-11 category. The competition was extremely strong and the judges congratulated Carol on her truly exceptional achievement.

Journée Française

Students in Years 12 and 13 improved their language skills at the annual joint French conference for Bolton School Sixth Form students, presented by Richard Peltier of Français Facile. The interactive Journée Française allowed students to tackle challenging topics linked to their A Level studies: a French charity, diversity in French-speaking music, immigration and Europe, poverty, and whether prison is a real solution. They were able to talk together and with Richard about the issues involved in some depth.