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French

Mrs Brace

Head of French

If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart. - Nelson Mandela

Why is French Important?

There are many reasons why learning a foreign language is important but here are our favourite reasons for learning French.

  1. French is the only language, apart from English, that is spoken on every continent of the World by 220 million speakers and in 77 different countries as an official language.
  2. A qualification in a language is something that future employers will be impressed by and can result in you being paid up to 20% more than your colleagues.
  3. France is the number 1 tourist destination in the World and visiting is so much better if you can speak and understand a little bit of the language.
  4. English speakers already have an advantage when learning French as around 50% of English words are actually of French origin.
  5. As well as being a useful language in French speaking countries, many international organisations use French as an international language from the United Nations to the International Olympic Committee.
  6. Learning French can give you a huge advantage when learning other Romance Languages from Spanish to Italian, Catalan, Portuguese and even Romanian.
  7. Learning languages can protect your brain from dementia and the more languages you learn the better the effect.
  8. It has never been easier to learn a language with so many apps available to support what you learn in lessons as well as the possibility to watch French TV, listen to French radio and read French newspapers, books and magazines all without ever leaving Cardiff.
  9. Our annual trip to France is always a great experience. You can immerse yourself in French life and culture and try out some of what you have learned in the classroom.

What Will I Learn At Key Stage 3?

Our aim is to develop our students’ ability to communicate effectively both in reading/writing and in speaking/listening in French and to stimulate interest and enjoyment in the learning of a foreign language. Students learn to appreciate different countries, cultures, communities and people. Our curriculum promotes the mastery of grammar and vocabulary and though the topics that we study we aim to ensure solid foundations of grammar are built during the early stages.

What Topics Are Covered At Key Stage 3?

All students study French throughout Key Stage 3. The topics covered in each year are as follows Year 7 Basic introductions Spelling and sounds in French Numbers Colours Family Pets Giving opinions Places in town and Directions Describing your house Activities at home (introducing -er verbs) Describing your school School subjects and opinions Telling the time Daily routine Sports and hobbies Year 8 Countries and Nationalities Weather Sports and hobbies Travel and transport Places in town Future tense with aller Making and replying to invitations Clothes and Fashion Food and drink Technology and Social Media Year 9 Describing yourself and others Television and Cinema Parts of the body and illnesses Healthy living Sports and Keeping Fit Holiday – Destinations, Activities and Accommodation Jobs and the World of Work

How Will I Be Assessed At Key Stage 3?

Students are assessed during lessons and a formal assessment is done at the end of each unit of work. These assessments cover all four skill areas: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students’ performance in these tests, combined with class and homework, will be used to decide which level they are working at. Pupils will be provided with a Knowledge Organiser for each Unit of work and will regularly be tested on the vocabulary in the Knowledge Organisers.

What Will I Learn At Key Stage 4?

French is an optional subject at GCSE and pupils study for a GCSE from the WJEC exam board. The course is assessed by way of 4 separate, externally assessed exams in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening sat in the Summer of Year 11. Each exam is worth 25% of the final grade and are available at either Foundation or Higher tier to suit each pupils’ strengths.

What Topics Are Covered At Key Stage 4?

  1. Identity and culture Youth Culture
  2. Self and relationships
  3. Technology and social media Lifestyle
  4. Health and fitness
  5. Entertainment and leisure Customs andTraditions
  6. Food and drink
  7. Festivals and celebrations Wales and the World Home and Locality
  8. Local areas of interest
  9. Travel and Transport The Wider World
  10. Local and regional features and characteristics of France and French-speaking countries
  11. Holidays and tourism Global Sustainability
  12. Environment
  13. Social issues Current and future study and employment Current Study
  14. School/college life
  15. School/college studies Enterprise, Employability and Future Plans
  16. Skills and personal qualities
  17. Post-16 study
  18. Career plans
  19. Employment

How Will I Be Assessed At Key Stage 4?

Pupils will be assessed both formally and informally on all 4 skill areas, during and at the end of each topic. Pupils will be provided with a Knowledge Organiser for each Unit of work and will regularly be tested on the vocabulary in the Knowledge Organisers as well as completing assessments using material from previous GCSE exams to increase pupils’ familiarity with the requirements of the exam. Formal mock examinations take place during the Autumn term of Year 11.

What Facilities Does The Department Have?

French is taught in dedicated classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards, facilities for listening and areas for small group speaking practice. The department is resourced with a range of on line and traditional textbooks.

What Extra Curricular Activities Are There?

After school support is available for KS4 pupils. In KS3 French Club offers the opportunity to learn more about France and French speaking countries by taking part in fun activities, quizzes and games, films and food. Our annual trip to France gives the opportunity to experience in real life what has been learned in the classroom. Fast track GCSE Spanish is available after school in Year 10 to those pupils who have shown an aptitude for and commitment to language learning