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French
BackWelcome
We believe that learning and practising a foreign language is not only very satisfying in itself, but once you have it, linguistic power opens up a whole world of opportunities and experiences for you. Travel really does expand your mind and if you can visit the country and communicate with people in their own language, you'll not only encounter more friendliness and courtesy, but you also end up with a far greater understanding of other countries. Ultimately, we aim for you not only to become functional, successful linguists, but to relish a real interest and enthusiasm for other cultures. We want no Colyton student to discover that their world is limited by their language.
Acquiring a language is not only an intellectual exercise: it's also practical and we try to ensure that almost all lessons have some practical activity. We’re always trying out games and communicative exercises so that you get the skills and confidence as well as the knowledge to make you a successful, functioning linguist. We try to strike the right balance between listening, reading, speaking and writing over a sequence of lessons and we love to use lots of different technology.
What we do
The GCSE French course will develop your desire and ability to communicate with and understand speakers of French in a variety of contexts and for a variety of purposes. It will enable you to cope confidently with the sort of situations you are likely to encounter on a holiday or short professional trip to a French-speaking country, whether it be on a skiing trip, camping holiday, exchange or business excursion.
You will be able to enter into a discussion about films and other entertainment, you should be able to understand the gist of a news report and you will be able to tell someone what your future hopes are. Indeed, you should have the linguistic power to engage in a range of communicative situations which are likely when you visit the French-speaking world. The ability to express yourself in another language also enhances your ability to use your own and find employment in the future.
You will develop your understanding and knowledge of French and countries and communities where French is spoken, broadening your horizons, developing your cultural knowledge and understanding and fostering transferable skills such as confidence, communication, problem solving and creativity.
Lower Years French
The lower years curriculum will involve the following:
| Year 7 | Year 8 | |
|---|---|---|
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Autumn |
Personal information Family and personality Daily routine, school Opinion and reasons |
Festivals and celebrations Food School trip New Year plans Leisure and TV programmes Digital technology Going out Shopping |
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Spring Term |
Sport and Leisure Weather Family life |
Town and region Household chores Daily routine Moving house Sports Asking for directions Body parts, injuries, illness |
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Summer Term |
Town Food and drinks Plans for eating out Holidays and perfect tense Festivals and celebrations |
Social Media Personality Going out Music Body parts Sport and fitness |
Middle Years (Y9-11) French
The GCSE French course will develop your desire and ability to communicate with and understand speakers of French in a variety of contexts and for a variety of purposes. It will enable you to cope confidently with the sort of situations you are likely to encounter on a holiday or short professional trip to a French-speaking country, whether it be on a skiing trip, camping holiday, exchange or business excursion.
You will be able to enter into a discussion about films and other entertainment, you should be able to understand the gist of a news report and you will be able to tell someone what your future hopes are. Indeed, you should have the linguistic power to engage in a range of communicative situations which are likely when you visit the French-speaking world. The ability to express yourself in another language also enhances your ability to use your own and find employment in the future.
You will develop your understanding and knowledge of French and countries and communities where French is spoken, broadening your horizons, developing your cultural knowledge and understanding and fostering transferable skills such as confidence, communication, problem solving and creativity.
Themes
The three broad themes studied are:
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Identity and culture
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Local, national, international and global areas of interest
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Current and future study and employment
Within these themes you will study:
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Youth Culture • Self and relationships • Technology and social media
Lifestyle • Health and fitness • Entertainment and leisure
Customs and Traditions • Food and drink • Festivals and celebrations |
Home and Locality • Local areas of interest • Transport
France and French-speaking countries • Local and regional features and characteristics • Holidays and tourism
Global Sustainability • Environment • Social issues • Charity/voluntary work |
Current Study • School/college life • School/college studies
World of Work • Work experience and part-time jobs • Skills and personal qualities
Jobs and Future Plans • Applying for work/study • Career plans
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Assessment
GCSE French is a linear qualification with 100% of assessment taking place at the end of the course. There are four components:
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We emphasise practical communication and help you to develop your confidence to manipulate language spontaneously so that you can enjoy and be successful in real-life social situations abroad or when dealing with French-speaking visitors. We use realistic and authentic resources and offer you the chance to apply your language skills (and gain a memorable experience) on the Mongré Exchange in the Beaujolais region of France. As with German, you will find qualifications in Foreign Languages essential assets in your career and leisure time.
