French
Our Curriculum Aims:
We aim to develop a lifelong love of the study of the French language and the global French speaking world and civilisations past, present and future amongst our students playing a pivotal role in their journey to becoming inquiring, knowledgeable, responsible citizens of the future with the confidence to travel , ready to work in a global workforce. Students learn to communicate confidently in French whilst also listening, reading and viewing for personal enjoyment and information. This also develops a great cultural awareness of a whole new world, essential for accessing the subject to maximum. This digital age lends itself perfectly to our work and the French department always embraces the use of new technologies, learning platforms and the extensive resources available for multidisciplinary and multi-sensory learning in and outside of lessons. We ensure careful use of authentic resources at all levels in order to enrich the experience and promote independent learning. The interactive nature of lessons also serves to maximise engagement and develop the ability to understand and manipulate the language. The study of French and the grammar involves a process which in turn also trains the brain and can keep it healthier for longer and strengthen other academic in new contexts disciplines. From the study of earlier and more personal topics to the challenges of social and global issues such as the protection of the planet, Cybersociety, immigration, politics, the treatment of criminals the protection of heritage and chosen research projects, the French department promotes and reinforces the AGSB values. We promote a love of learning through academic rigour, stretch and challenge, respect for others through exposure to different language, histories and cultures, responsibility towards our world working as a global community and as individuals and resilience in the face of something new, being prepared and comfortable to make mistakes, learn from them and keep trying. This is also put into practice through participation in competitions and memorable trips to Paris, Nice and Aix-en-Provence. All of the above is excellent preparation for independent travel to some of the most wonderful places in the world. The opportunity to work with a Foreign Language Assistant from France in lessons, supports students immensely with the enjoyment in speaking the language and enrichment of their linguistic and cultural understanding and competence, contributing hugely to their excellent academic achievement and progress at both KS4 and KS5. We are proud that our students become highly proficient and fluent and leave us superbly prepared for higher study at Russell Group universities or Oxford and Cambridge in a time where Foreign language skills are increasingly in demand as fewer people study them, they can access a wider range of university options and a richer university and life experience. |
The Department Subject Achievement Map identifies the skills and the nature of the knowledge needed to progress in the subject from year 7-11. The Subject Achievement is a document for staff and can be found in the 365- Curriculum – Curriculum Subject Resources.
- For each topic studied in Years 7 and 8, Topic Descriptor Sheets detail the knowledge and skills needed to progress in that topic. Topic Descriptor Sheets can be found in pupils’ assessment books and on the walls in practical subjects. They can also be found in 365 – Curriculum –Curriculum Subject Resources.
Key Stage Three Curriculum Overview
Year 7
|
Name of topic |
Key Content of the Topic |
Assessment points * vocabulary tests at least every couple of weeks in class. |
HT 1 |
Introduction to French and France |
Students will learn the following vocabulary:Greetings / Introductions, dates / birthdays, colours, school items, Students will learn the following grammar points: Students will learn the following culture: Students will also be introduced to French phonics and how to pronounce words in French.- Poem Le zoo extraordinaire- reading for enjoyment. |
Quizlet / Languagenut/ Seneca self testing End of Unit Listening reading, writing and grammar test Informal translation tests |
HT 2 |
Free time and weather |
Students will learn the following vocabulary:Weather,seasons, sports, music, other free time activities. Students will learn the following grammar points: Students will learn the following culture: |
End of unit reading, listening and writing tests
Quizlet / Seneca/ languagenut
|
HT 3 |
Where I live
Revision of the course |
Students will learn the following vocabulary: Students will learn the following grammar point:More about adjectives, directions, prepositions, il y a / il n’y a pas de/d’. The verb ‘aller’ Students will learn the following culture: |
End of Year reading, writing and grammar, listening tests. |
Year 8
|
Name of topic |
Key Content of the Topic |
Assessment points |
HT 1 |
Countries in Europe and beyond |
Students will learn the following vocabulary:Countries in Europe, other countries and continents, transport and travel, talking about what you are (not) going to do and what you can / can’t do. Describe places. Students will learn the following grammar points:Revision of regular verbs, prepositions with towns /countries, the verbs venir, partir, aller, pouvoir+ infintive. Negation and the future tense. Students will learn the following culture:Learn about the Tour de France. |
Quizlet / Seneca/ languagenut
End of Unit reading, writing, grammar tests Grammar /Translation tasks in class |
HT 2 |
Staying with a family. Presents and what you have done. |
Students will learn the following vocabulary: Students will learn the following grammar points:The perfect tense of regular verbs. The perfect tense consolidation, the perfect tense of irregular verbs. The perfect tense of negative statements Students will learn the follofv wing culture: |
Quizlet / Seneca/ languagenut
End of Unit reading, writing, listening, grammar tests Grammar / Translation tasks in class |
HT 3 |
Travel plans |
Students will learn the following vocabulary: Students will learn the following grammar points: Students will learn the following culture: |
Quizlet / Seneca/ languagenut
End of Unit reading, writing, listening, grammar tests
Speaking assessment Translation tasks in class |
HT 4 |
School life in France and in your school. |
Students will learn the following vocabulary: Students will learn the following grammar points:The verbs apprendre /comprendre. Making comparisons. Reflexive verbs. Reflexive verbs in negative sentences. Using the verb ‘vouloir’ in negative sentences. Using the verbs ‘dire’, ‘lire’, ‘écrire’ . The present tense of the verb ‘sortir’. Using three tenses, past present and future. Students will learn the following culture: |
End of Unit reading, writing, listening, grammar tests
Vocabulary tests
Quizlet / Seneca/ languagenut |
HT 5 |
Discussing clothes, appearance and illness Revision of the year |
Students will recap the following content: Students will learn the following: Students will learn the following culture: |
End of Year exams in Listening, Reading, Writing and Translation
Quizlet / Seneca/ languagenut
|
HT 6 |
Going into town |
Students will learn the following: Students will learn the following grammar points: Quantities,- revsision of regular -er -re and -ir verbs, the partitive article, ‘some’ Students will learn the following culture: |
Quizlet / Seneca/ languagenut |
Year 9- In Year 9 the topics are more in depth and so overlap half terms. Students are taught to go into more detail than in Key Stage 3 as they have more confidence and fluency.
|
Name of topic |
Key Content of the Topic |
Assessment points |
Term 1 |
Relationships with family and friends, marriage and partnership. |
Students will learn the following vocabulary: Students will learn the following grammar points: |
End of Unit 1 assessments- end of November Listening, reading , writing. Speaking assessment- Dec |
Term 2 |
Technology in everyday life- social media and mobile technology |
Students will learn the following vocabulary: Students will learn the following grammar points: Students will learn the following culture: |
End of Unit assessments- February.
|
Term 3a |
Free time activities
|
Students will learn the following vocabulary: Students will learn the following grammar points: Students will learn the following culture: |
End of Year exams. |
Term 3b |
Customs and traditions
|
Students will learn the following vocabulary Students will learn the following grammar points: Students will learn the following culture: |
Presentations about French customs and traditions. |
What can parents do to support their sons?
- Check that your son is working on his vocabulary – this should be done on a regular basis, revisiting old vocabulary constantly too. He should always revise vocabulary, even when tests are not set. He can access all of the vocabulary needed via Quizlet / languagenut / Seneca (he has usernames and passwords). He also has an assessment booklet, in which he should highlight the vocabulary he knows from each module and continue to highlight it regularly. You could test him using this.
- Check he is working on his grammar – this, again, should be done on a regular basis. Grammar notes are in his exercise book and available in many other places (he has the usernames and passwords for the numerous websites). He has a grammar review section in the coursebook and on Kerboodle.com so you can quiz him on the grammar topics too. Year 9 and above have a GCSE Verbs booklet.
- There are a number of other websites that your son should visit to help him. Please ask him about them.
- Any opportunity for your son to experience authentic French would be a real confidence booster for him, for example, visiting France, reading online news articles via the newshound app, watching French Youtube videos, Age appropriate Netflix programmes -with French subtitles and working with our Language Assistant.
GCSE Course Followed: French
Specification: AQA Syllabus Code 8658
Why Choose GCSE French?
If you enjoy learning about different countries and cultures, communicating with other people, finding out how language works, then studying GCSE French is an excellent choice for you! You will choose an MFL GCSE from the two languages you are currently studying – why not consider choosing two?
There are many reasons for taking this GCSE:
- You will be able to share your interests, ideas and opinions with other people who speak French.
- You will learn about France and get a lot more out of a trip there.
- You will add an international dimension to your choice of GCSE subjects, which is something many future employers and higher education providers look for. French is one of the most sought-after foreign language for businesses in the UK and an official language of the UN, the European Union, UNESCO, NATO, the international Olympic committee , the International Red Cross and International courts.
- You will learn many skills which are useful in a wide range of future careers, such as the ability to communicate clearly, being confident about speaking in public, critical thinking, using problem-solving strategies, etc.
- If you continue with languages beyond GCSE to A Level, you will be able to combine French with many different subjects at University, e.g. Medicine, Law, Business and many more.
- You will create greater opportunities for yourself to work abroad, or for companies in the UK with international links. The UK imports a lot of goods from France
What do I need to know?
You have started your GCSE course in Year 9 so you already know a lot of the vocabulary and grammar you’ll need for GCSE. You know how to talk about yourself, your family and friends, your hobbies, where you live, school, holidays, food and drink. You will build on these topics over the next two years, as well as moving on to new topics.
You are already part way there!
Four skills are tested in a formal exam at the end of Year 11. Each skill is worth 25% of your total GCSE. You will be entered for either Foundation or Higher tier. The exams are set out below:
Listening:
You will answer questions on recorded material from different topic areas. Some material will be formal (for example a telephone message) and some informal (for example a telephone conversation between friends).
Reading:
You will answer questions about short texts on different topics in various forms such as text messages, adverts, emails, blogs and letters. You will also translate a paragraph from French into English.
Speaking:
This exam will be conducted by your teacher. You will have range of activities to complete. You will take part in a role play with your teacher, you will answer questions about a photo and the related sub-topic and then have a general conversation on a topic you have previously studied.
Writing:
There are three main tasks to complete. First you will write a short response to bullet points on a certain topic. You will then show off all of your language skills in a more detailed response to bullet points and finally you will translate a short passage from English into French.
What can I do after I have completed the course?
People with language skills and knowledge are highly thought of in the modern world. They stand out as talented, confident and successful people, with broad and exciting horizons. Being able to speak more than one language has been scientifically proven to give people higher cognitive ability. Taking GCSE language(s) means you will have much more fun when travelling and be able to continue your language learning to A Level. You will add an extra dimension to your personal skills profile which will impress anyone who reads your CV and you will be in a stronger position to get a job in companies with international links or to work abroad. You will also be able to choose between many careers that you may not have previously thought of such as working as a calls interceptor for MI5, being responsible for international links in global companies or even opening new franchises in foreign countries. The options are endless!
Key Stage Four Curriculum Overview
Year 10
|
Name of topic |
Key Content of the Topic |
Assessment points |
Term 1 |
My home and local area |
Students will learn the following vocabulary: Students will learn the following grammar points: Students will learn the following culture: |
End of Unit assessments.
vocabulary tests.
Speaking preparation assessments |
HT 3 |
Social issues 1 |
Students will learn the following vocabulary: Students will learn the following grammar points:Further use of the conditional mood, En + present past participle, vouloir que + subjunctive or full introduction to the subjunctive, using ce que.. Students will learn the following culture: |
End of Unit tests
vocabulary tests |
HT 4 |
Social issues 2 |
Students will learn the following vocabulary: Students will learn the following grammar points: Students will learn the following culture: |
End of Unit tests
Vocabulary tests |
Term 3 |
Environment and poverty and homelessness
|
Students will learn the following vocabulary: Students will learn the following grammar points: Students will learn the following culture: |
Trial Exam |
Year 11
|
Name of topic |
Key Content of the Topic |
Assessment points |
Term 1 |
Holidays and travel, regions of France. |
Students will learn the following vocabulary: Students will learn the following grammar points: Students will learn the following culture: |
Weekly vocabulary tests
End of Unit tests
Speaking preparation assessments
Past paper practice
Trial Exams (including speaking exams) |
Term 2 |
Post 16 choices |
Students will learn the following vocabulary: Students will learn the following grammar points: |
Weekly vocabulary tests
End of Unit tests
Speaking preparation assessments Past paper practice |
HT 4-5 |
|
Students prepare for their GCSE French exams in the following ways:
|
GCSE Exams |
Recommended Revision Guides for GCSE
Students have a published GCSE vocabulary book, which they should be using regularly to learn vocabulary.
They should also purchase “CGP: Complete Guide to GCSE AQA French For the Grade 9-1 Course” . If possible the supplementary resources such as translation practice, grammar workbooks, translation workbooks, flashcard for vocabulary and grammar / Translation and the knowledge organiser bundle. ** We will issue a letter to parents in Year 10 providing the opportunity to offer these at heavily discounted prices only available to schools.
Students have access to various websites to help with their vocabulary, reading, listening and grammar revision. All pupils have a list of useful websites and they should refer to this.
Kerboodle allows students to access the core GCSE textbook and interactive activities.
Support available for GCSE Students
For Year 11 students there are extra listening, and speaking sessions every week to enable the students to practise the skills that they need more help with. Subject teachers may also offer one-to-one sessions for GCSE students to have very focused practice with feedback