French Beginners

FRENCH BEGINNERS

2 UNIT FRENCH BEGINNERS

2 Units for each of Preliminary and HSC Board Developed Course

Eligibility

Native speakers, students who have spent over a year living in France and Students who have received more than 100 hours of French teaching form Years 7 to 10 are NOT eligible to study Beginners French in Years 11 and 12. There is no course requirement of previous study of French. The course starts with words like ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’!

Rationale of Course Language and culture are interdependent. The study of another language develops in students the ability to move successfully across and within cultures and, in the process, to experience, value and embrace the diversity of humanity. Contemporary research has shown that learning a language facilitates cognitive and intellectual development beyond the language classroom. It enhances creativity and develops more refined and sophisticated skills in analysis, negotiation and problem solving.

Course Description In the Preliminary Course, students will begin to develop their knowledge and understanding of French. During this course, students must acquire some knowledge of the French language as a system through topics such as Social Interaction and Personal Identification, and through the integrated use of the four skills: • Listening, Speaking, Reading Writing In the HSC Course, students will continue to develop their knowledge and understanding of French through the four skills above. All topics listed in the syllabus must be studied for the HSC. Topics previously studied during the Preliminary Course will be studied in greater depth for the HSC Course.

Main Topics Covered • Family life, home, and neighbour • People, places, and communities • Education and work • Friends, recreations, and pastimes • Holidays, travel, and tourism • Future plans and aspirations

Assessment

Assessment at HSC level includes all four major skill areas as shown below:

1. Listening 30%, 2. Reading 30%, 3. Speaking 20% 4. Writing 20%

The French Beginners Course is an exciting opportunity for students to begin learning a second language and opens up many opportunities for students to understand the culture of many Francophone countries as well as job prospects.

Depending on numbers there is the potential for an excursion to New Caledonia. This would include lessons in a local Language School and being hosted by a local family as well as a few tourist activities.