28
Modern Languages (French) Course Learning a language simultaneously opens one’s mind to new ideas and new ways of looking at the world. Speaking more than one language is a skill, which will radically increase your marketability in the job market and in university applications as well as facilitate future travel! It fosters a range of transferable skills including communication, critical thinking, research skills and creativity. This course offers an immersion in authentic language and culture, embracing the Francophone world. Alongside developing active, passive and grammatical skills introduced at GCSE, pupils will develop techniques for essay and summary writing, translations and an awareness of aspects of society and culture of the Francophone world. There are four main topic areas for study during the two-year course: • • • •
Aspects of French-Speaking Society: Current Trends (family, cyber-society, the role of Charities and charity work) Artistic Culture in the French-Speaking World (cultural heritage, music, cinema) Aspects of French-Speaking Society: Current Issues (benefits of diverse multi-cultural societies, life of marginalised peoples in society, how society treats criminals) Aspects of Political Life in the French Speaking World (teenagers and political engagement, the right to strike, politics and immigration)
In addition, we will study one French film (such as La Haine) and one work of French literature (such as No et Moi). Pupils will also work on an Independent Research Project for the oral exam, which can be a topic of their own choice. Pupils will develop all skills in lessons using teaching and learning materials, which have been produced in consultation with the exam board, along with a wide-range of authentic materials such as internet articles and news reports, magazines and podcasts. Pupils also benefit from one to one speaking lessons with our French Assistant.
