French Department

Develop the ability to use the language effectively for purposes of practical communication

Offer insights into the culture and civilization of the countries where the language is spoken

Provide enjoyment and intellectual stimulation

Complement other areas of study by encouraging skills of a more general application

Department Facilities / Resources:

• Student text book
• Work book
• CDS
• Flash cards
• Teacher guide
• ICT / Interactive White Boards

Key Points from Department Policy:

There are a number of key concepts that underpin the study of French. Pupils need to understand these concepts in order to deepen and broaden their knowledge, skills and understanding. These essential concepts promote pupils’ progress in speaking and listening, reading and writing.

1. Competence

• Being clear, coherent and  accurate in spoken and written communication.
• Reading and understanding a range of texts,  and responding appropriately.
• Demonstrating a secure understanding of the conventions of written language, including grammar and spelling .
• Being adaptable in a widening range of familiar and unfamiliar contexts within the classroom and beyond.
• Making informed choices about effective ways to communicate formally and informally.

2. Creativity

• Making fresh connections between ideas, experiences, texts and words, drawing on a rich experience of language .
• Using inventive approaches to making meaning, taking risks, playing with language and using it to create new effects.
• Using imagination to convey themes, ideas and arguments, solve problems, and create settings, moods and characters.
• Using creative approaches to answering questions, solving problems and developing ideas.

3. Cultural understanding

• Gaining a sense of the French literary heritage and engaging with important texts in it.
• Exploring how ideas, experiences and values are portrayed differently in texts from a range of cultures and traditions.
• Understanding how French varies locally and globally, and how these variations relate to identity and cultural diversity.

4. Critical understanding

• Engaging with ideas and texts, understanding and responding  to the main issues.
• Assessing the validity and significance of information and ideas from different sources.
• Exploring others’ ideas and developing their own.
• Analyzing and evaluating spoken and written language to appreciate how meaning is shaped

Assessment Procedure:

• Day to Day assessment for learning – oral and written
• Termly assessments
• IGCSE EXAMINATIONS

Extra-curricular Activities

• Field trips to the French council
• Participating in the French movies festival

Useful Subject-specific websites:

www.languagesonline.org.uk

www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/french/mockexam