FRENCH

You will spend most of your time listening to and speaking French during the first term getting used to the sound of the language.  There are a lot of games, pair-work, group work and as much help as we can give you about how to learn a foreign language.  Many students are amazed at how much they can understand and say within a short time.  In the next two terms you will find that your reading progresses and you will do more written work, but you will be combining art, craft and musical skills with your work much of the time.  Each pupil will have the chance to talk with our French Assistant, who will also tell you about what France is really like and how life is different from England.

What happens in Years 10 and 11?

We build on KS3 and by the end of the year you are competent to cope in a French speaking country and well prepared for our day trip to France.  Your coursework will help you to develop a real working knowledge of grammar, increase your knowledge of the French way of life and encourage you to try to be very accurate in your writing, so that you are easily understood, ICT will continue to play an important role in helping you to progress.

Learning examination techniques with practice in each skill takes up a fair amount of time, but your language skill has to improve with knowledge of grammar and vocabulary widening all the time through the use of languages software, audio and video cassettes, text books and countless other resources at home and in school.  The message is as always 'Pas de Panique'.  The internet is always there to help you resource your coursework and you may even have established e-mail contact with a French friend by this stage.  Your teacher and the French Assistant will be at hand to see you through.  Bonne chance!

How do we help you achieve your potential?

Each year you will be given a pupil booklet which will tell you what to expect in each module of work.  You will record your assessment marks for each skill area and set targets with your teacher to help you progress.  You always have the chance to excel in speaking challenges, held once a year.

How can you help at home?

Here you must learn your work and your teacher will help you with ways of doing this which will mean that vocabulary in particular can be fun.  Revision books will help you to sort out the grammar and a teacher is always there when you have worked on your own to answer your questions.

Who should I talk to if I want more information?

Mrs J Middleton – Curriculum Leader of Modern Languages