Mr. Patrick Lee, Head of Modern Languages
Mrs. Sophie de Castro Franco, Head of French
Key Stage 3
What will the subject be like?
In the Upper 3 rd French is taught as a new subject although some pupils may have had an introduction to the language at primary school. To begin with there is a strong emphasis on spoken French and after their first lesson all pupils will be able to introduce themselves in French. Lessons involve a mixture of listening, oral, reading and written work so that all pupils are able to develop the four skill areas at an equal pace. A variety of resources are used in lessons including cassettes, videos and flashcards. The Lower Fourth develop their skills including the use of further tenses. All pupils have access to the computers in R14 on a regular basis and are encouraged to produce word-processed display work. They also have the opportunity to use specialised French language software.
Lessons per week: French is taught for four lessons in each of the Upper Third and Lower Fourth. It is assumed that all pupils require an equally good formal grounding in the subject, therefore there is no setting
What will be studied?
Listening:
Pupils are able to listen to short passages or conversations of spoken French and extract information from these. In the end of year examinations the listening component is conducted in lesson time and is worth 25% of the overall examination mark. The emphasis is on the understanding of the French and the questions tend to require one word answers or a true / false response.
Oral:
In the Upper Third, pupils are able to talk about themselves and ask others questions. By the end of the Lower Fourth, pupils will be able to converse on a variety of subjects, including their daily routine and holiday plans. They will also be able to cope with ordering food and drink and making arrangements to go out. In the end of year examinations the oral component is conducted in lesson time and is worth 25% of the overall examination mark. Pupils are given a list of questions on topics that have been covered during the year to prepare in advance. They are then asked 10 of these in the examination. Marks are awarded for accuracy and fluency.
Reading and Writing:
Pupils are able to read passages in French and answer comprehension questions both in French and English. They will be able to write in detail about themselves and their family and their likes and dislikes. By the end of the Lower Fourth, they will be able to use the present and perfect tenses. In the end of year examinations the reading and writing components are combined to make up 50% of the overall examination mark. A variety of comprehension questions and written tasks are set. For the written tasks marks are awarded for content and for accuracy.
Homework
Learning of vocabulary, written work, oral practice and a wide variety of other tasks are set.
GCSE
What does the course involve?
All students study French to GCSE. They may choose another modern language as well.
At GCSE you will develop the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. The topics studied will be:
-
My world
- Self, families, friends
- Interests/hobbies
- Home/Local environment
- Daily routine
- School/future plans
-
Holiday time/travel
- Travel/transport/finding the way
- Tourism
- Accommodation
- Holiday activities
- Services
-
Work and lifestyle
- Home life
- Healthy living
- Jobs/work experience
- Leisure
- Shopping
-
The Young person in society
- Character/personal relationships
- The environment
- Education
- Careers
- Social issues/choice/responsibilities
How is it all examined?
The final examination comprises:
- An oral test lasting approximately 10 minutes which includes:
- a)A role-play situation
- b)A presentation and discussion
- c)General conversation
- A reading test (lasting 50 minutes)
- A listening test (lasting 40 minutes)
- Coursework
What do I have to do for the coursework?
You will write at least 3 coursework assignments. One of the assignments must be completed under controlled conditions.
Visits to France/Spain/Germany
We would encourage students to participate in the trips organised by members of the Modern languages department. The benefits of these are self evident.
AS and A Level
Introduction
Do I have the necessary skills?
You will need to have achieved at least a Grade B in GCSE French. You will need to feel confident in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking skills. You must also have some knowledge and understanding of French culture.
Who is this course suitable for?
The course is ideal if you are interested in languages and communication, and you enjoy learning about other cultures and ways of life. Similarly, if you are interested in the business world, in travel or tourism, in literature, or in journalism and the media, then you are also likely to find the course useful. Whether you want to use language for work, further study, or leisure the course will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge.
What will I learn on this Advanced GCE course?
The course will enable you to communicate at a higher level in French. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of contemporary French culture. The topics you will cover in depth during the course include; Family Life, Health, The Media, Crime and Punishment, The Third World, The Environment and The Changing Role of Women.
How is it examined?
AS
Three AS units are taken at the end of the Low er Sixth for an AS level qualification. A further three A2 units are taken at the end of the Upper Sixth to complete the full A level.
AS Unit 1: Listening and Writing (1 hour)
You will have control of the recording and may stop, rewind and replay it as you wish. You will answer questions in French and in English on material related to contemporary French culture and society.
AS Unit 2: Reading and Writing (2 hours)
You will be read various passages in the target language relating to contemporary French culture and society. You will answer questions in French and in English. One passage will be a stimulus’ for a written task of 140-160 words in the form of a letter, report or article in French.
AS Unit 3: Prepared Oral Topic (10-12 minutes)
You will prepare a 1-2 minute presentation on a topic of your choice relating to contemporary French culture and society. The presentation is followed by a discussion about key aspects of the topic.
A2
A2 Unit 4: Oral Discussion of Issues (15 minutes)
This examination tests your ability to argue and to cope with spontaneous discussion in French. You will explore an issue of your choice that relates to contemporary French culture and society. You will outline the issue to the examiner for 1 minute, taking a definite stance towards it. You will then have to defend this stance, arguing your point of view. A discussion on two further unpredictable issues will follow.
A2 Unit 5: Topics and Texts (2 hours)
You will study two literary texts. You will answer an examination question on each text in French (250 words each). This unit tests your knowledge of the texts and your ability to organise and develop ideas.
A2 Unit 6: This unit is divided into three sections as follows;
Section A: Listening and Writing (45 minutes)
You will listen to two passages of recorded material and answer questions in French. You will also write a summary in English of 80-100 words.
Section B : Reading and Writing (45 minutes)
You will read one passage. There will be questions in French and a short translation exercise from English into French.
Section C: Writing in Registers (1 hour 15 minutes)
You will be required to answer one question for which you will write approximately 250 words. You will choose a question from the following headings; Creative Writing, Discursive Essays, Task-based Assignment
Activities
What else does the department offer for Sixth Form?
We offer a range of extra curricular activities and visits;
- Lower Sixth exchange visit to Senlis, near Paris
- Upper Sixth study visit to Paris
- French film club
- Theatre and cinema trips
- Sixth form language conferences are attended in Manchester
- Specialist teaching for Oxbridge candidates