French

Bradley Cooper, when asked live on French TV why he spoke French so well said, ‘I just want to communicate, it doesn’t bother me if I make mistakes. I know my grammar is not great.’ This approach to learning a language is admirable and we hope we can improve

your grammar! There are of course numerous benefits to learning a language. They are a skill for life and something students should enjoy and find rewarding. Research suggests that those who speak two or more languages have significantly better cognitive abilities than those who speak just one. If you are multilingual, you see the world from different viewpoints and you enhance your ability to communicate in today’s globally connected world.

COURSE CONTENT Life at School

● Subjects, timetables, school rules and school exchanges ● Comparing UK and Francophone schools ● Healthy living ● Discussing vices

Future Study and Employment

● Discussing career choices and applying for jobs ● Talking about hopes and wishes ● Understanding case studies

Global Perspectives

● Discussing problems facing the world today ● Protecting the environment ● Ethical shopping ● Volunteering ● Discussing big events

SKILLS DEVELOPED

● Listening and Speaking ● Reading and Writing ● Grammar - There is a greater emphasis on grammar, requiring students to use and manipulate a variety of key grammar structures and patterns. ● Vocabulary - There is also a greater emphasis on vocabulary including vocabulary that goes beyond a student’s’ immediate needs and interests.

FURTHER STUDY

For students wishing to pursue French at A Level, we would expect a minimum of Grade 6 at GCSE. Longer term, students who combine their degree with a Modern Language are increasingly in demand in business. Degrees such as Law and French or Accountancy and French are becoming more and more sought after.

SPECIFICATION LINK

ASSESSMENTS

Students in Year 11 will be assessed summatively by way of end of module exams. There will also be a mock exam late in Term 1 or early in Term 2. The final GCSE French exams will be in Term 3.