French
The French department believes that every student should have access to a wide and varied experience of as many cultures as possible. Our aim is to develop in our pupils a positive attitude towards language learning, so that every student enjoys and profits from the experience, and wants to achieve their best.
Teaching staff:
- Mrs N Wiessmann-Hubbard (Head of Languages)
- Mrs V Ologunde (Head of Year 8)
- Mrs K MIller
- Mrs H Liu
- Mr M Brady (Headteacher)
Year 7
| Summary of curriculum: |
This is an important year in which are laid the foundations of grammar and vocabulary. Students also begin to learn about the cultural aspects of France and Francophone countries. |
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| Main topics: |
Term 1: myself and my school
Term 2: my hobbies and where I live
Term 3: my holidays
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| How parents can support their son’s learning: |
In addition to formal assessments, students will be continually assessed on vocabulary and grammar, where they will not only learn the words and verbs but also will be required to use each word/verb in a sentence. You can help your son to learn these words and encourage him to write a sentence for each one before the vocabulary test. |
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Year 8
| Summary of curriculum: |
During this year, students consolidate and develop the grammar and vocabulary base established in year 7. We focus in particular on the three main tenses: present, past and future. Students are exposed to a full range of activities across all four skills: speaking, listening reading and writing. |
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| Main topics: |
Term 1: media and tourism
Term 2: identity and home life
Term 3: talent and ambition
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| How parents can support their son’s learning: |
In addition to formal assessment, students will be continually assessed on vocabulary and grammar, where they will not only learn the words and verbs but will also be required to use each word/verb in a sentence. You can help your son to learn these words and encourage him to write a sentence for each one before the vocabulary test. |
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Year 9
| Summary of curriculum: |
During this year, we start to work on the detailed preparation of students for the GCSE exam. A good deal of emphasis is put on the speaking exam and students prepare written answers to speaking questions. The development of grammar skills and the acquisition of even more vocabulary are also key to our year 9 curriculum. In terms of the GCSE specification, the first three major topic areas are covered during this year. |
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| Main topics: |
Term 1 : Who am I?
Term 2 : free time
Term 3 : daily routine and celebrations
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| How parents can support their son’s learning: |
In addition to formal assessment, students will be continually assessed on vocabulary and grammar, where they will not only learn the words and verbs but also will be required to use each word/verb in a sentence. You can help your son to learn these words and encourage him to write a sentence for each one before the vocabulary test. |
| Useful websites: |
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Year 10
| Summary of curriculum: |
Students complete work on the next three major topic areas in the GCSE specification. Students continue to work hard on their speaking exam preparation. More complex grammar is introduced and students are tested regularly on their grasp of the vocabulary. Activities in class continue to be based around the four skills ; speaking, listening reading and writing. |
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Year 11
| Summary of curriculum: |
The final two topic areas are completed (usually by March) and the completion of past papers and exam technique skills becomes more important. Revision of topic areas covered in year 9 is also a priority. |
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Year 12
| Summary of curriculum: |
We follow the AQA GCE French specification for A Level. |
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| Main topics: |
Aspects of French society: current trends
Aspect of French society: current issues
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| How parents can support their son’s learning: |
All students have online access to Kerboodle which provides an online version of their textbook as well as additional resources such as vocabulary sheets, listening and reading materials, exam-type questions, grammar exercises and video clips. This is an excellent way for boys to extend their French at the click of a button, so please encourage its use. Students may also purchase Authentik French-language magazines which come with an audio CD. These magazines are cheap and are fantastic for keeping up to date with French current affairs through articles and reports as well as advice and tips for the A Level exams. The boys may also access the French department’s VLE for further resources. As the boys are studying French at a high level, they should all follow the French department’s Twitter page for fun news stories and language tips! |
Year 13
| Summary of curriculum: | We follow the AQA GCE French specification for A Level. |
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| Main topics: |
Artistic culture in the French-speaking world:
Aspects of political life in the French-speaking world:
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| How parents can support their son’s learning: |
All students have online access to Kerboodle which provides an online version of their textbook as well as additional resources such as vocabulary sheets, listening and reading materials, exam-type questions, grammar exercises and video clips. This is an excellent way for boys to extend their French at the click of a button, so please encourage its use. Students may also purchase Authentik French-language magazines which come with an audio CD. These magazines are cheap and are fantastic for keeping up to date with French current affairs through articles and reports as well as advice and tips for the A Level exams. The boys may also access the French department’s VLE for further resources. As the boys are studying French at a high level, they should all follow the French department’s Twitter page for fun news stories and language tips! |