French Department
French is taught to all pupils in Years 3 to 8 as we believe that pupils of all abilities may benefit from the study of a Modern Foreign Language. In Year 8 most pupils are prepared for Common Entrance examinations and more able pupils are prepared for Scholarship examinations in French.
Our aims are:
- to provide an enjoyable and stimulating language learning experience to include pupils of all levels of ability ; schemes of work are designed to be challenging and raise expectations.
- to develop the ability to use French effectively for purposes of practical communication, both inside and outside the classroom.
- to establish the skills, language and attitudes required to promote and facilitate further language study.
- to develop a knowledge and understanding of and positive attitude towards speakers of French throughout the world.
- to promote awareness of multicultural and gender issues.
- to build learners’ awareness of the language learning process and thereby facilitate the learning of other languages.
- to promote a range of learning styles, including collaborative work with peers and independent learning.
- to develop pupils’ communication, creativity and thinking skills.
- to make a useful contribution to other areas of the curriculum.
Through Years 3 to 5 the emphasis is very strongly on communication, with most tasks being based on speaking and listening skills. As pupils progress more reading and writing tasks are introduced to reinforce the oral work, and pupils are encouraged to develop a sound grammatical knowledge of the language. Cultural awareness is promoted at every opportunity.
There are 2 full-time and 1part-time members of the department, as well as a Foreign Language Assistant, typically a student from a French university who is taking a year out to perfect his/her knowledge of English, and/or develop teaching skills before qualifying as a teacher of English. The FLA offers invaluable support to learners by providing an opportunity to hear a young native speaker, assisting the teacher in the classroom or working with small groups, and is in many ways a wonderful asset to the Department.
Regular visits to France are arranged for pupils in Y6, Y7 and Y8, giving them the opportunity to experience life in the country whose language they are learning, and to participate in linguistic and cross-curricular activities.
Another regular extra-curricular activity is the annual visit by the European Theatre Company, who perform a play in French for Years 5 to 8, including songs and a good deal of audience participation.
