French Continuers

2 units for each of Year 11 and HSC

NESA Developed Course

What background knowledge do I need to study French Continuers?

Students who have studied French in Years 7 to 10 or who have a sound knowledge of the language equivalent to 200 to 300 hours of study. For more information, please ask the French teachers.

Why study French Continuers?

• Language is the basis of all communication and human interaction. By learning a second or subsequent language, students develop the knowledge, understanding and skills for successful participation in the dynamic world of the 21st Century. Communicating in another language expands students’ horizons as both national and global citizens.

• Through the study of the French language, students will develop linguistic ability and gain a deeper cultural understanding. The ability to communicate in French also promotes harmony and co-operation with French-speaking communities and provides students, in conjunction with their other skills, with enhanced vocational opportunities.

• Language learning interacts well with other subjects requiring more research tasks and/or essay writing. It works well with Visual Arts, History, Geography, Music and even Science, Mathematics and English

• Learning French may, in conjunction with other skills, provide students with enhanced vocational opportunities in areas such as the arts, banking and international finance, commerce, hospitality, diplomacy, education and research, fashion, government, law, media, science and technology, engineering, tourism, translation and interpreting.

Course description:

The emphasis is always on real communication in developing the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. The aim of the course is to foster within students the ability to:

• exchange information, opinions and experiences in French (speaking)

• understand, analyse, process and respond to texts that are in French (listening/reading)

• express ideas through the production of original written texts in French (writing)

• understand aspects of the language and culture of French-speaking communities.

Students who enjoyed the challenge of learning French during Years 7 to 10 to the Record of School Achievement (RoSA) level will derive further satisfaction from developing their language skills to a higher level. Our senior programs provide students with access to a wide range of texts such as: short stories, newspaper articles, reviews and magazines, recorded conversations, films, emails, letters. Study of these texts will provide students with an insight into the culture and language of French-speaking communities. The students’ skills and knowledge will be developed through tasks treating prescribed themes and topics.

Main topics covered:

These are related to the three main themes: the individual, the French-speaking communities and the changing world. Students will explore a variety of topics relating directly to their interests such as:

• Relationships, family, friends and home life

• Leisure, interests

• Daily life and lifestyles

• Arts and entertainment

• School life and future aspirations

• Travel and tourism

• Youth culture, fashion and technology

• Current issues, careers and occupations

The HSC Language Examination tests students on their knowledge in those areas. It is therefore fundamental to cover topics early in Year 11. In fact, preparation for the HSC Examination in Languages takes place over two years, not just Year 12, and students are requested to keep all Year 11 material for revision in Year 12.

Our lessons are based on a communicative functional/situational approach reflecting modern language teaching/learning practices. The use of French in the classroom is therefore a priority.

Learning strategies:

Students build on the basic tools for communication acquired in Years 7 to 10 through the use of known and new vocabulary, including parts of speech and grammar.

• Regular memorisation of French structures and reinforcement exercises in the four skills are paramount for steady progress to occur. This includes regular homework, workbook exercises, worksheets, speaking and writing tasks.

• Frequent revision and completion of shorter tasks in small spurts is recommended.

• Seeking further experience in French language beyond the classroom walls is also encouraged e.g. Alliance Française, French magazines, French websites, French films.

What other opportunities does French Continuers offer me?

• Hosting overseas students through our student-exchange program.

• Taking part in a student-exchange program, AFS, AGSES, Southern Cross, Antipodeans Abroad. Information available from the French teachers.

• Going on exchange to our sister school in Lyon or Colmar, France. Experience a homestay with a French family and make life-long friends.

• Joining conversation classes at school and at the Alliance Française.