French
What Is Special About This Subject?
Languages develop curious, independent, life-long learners who can creatively adapt their knowledge to deepen understanding of cultural issues and become caring world citizens.
What Is The Learning Journey Through This Subject?
Key Stage 3 – French
WHAT WILL I LEARN IN THIS SUBJECT?
Languages are part of the cultural richness of our society and the world in which we live and work. Learning languages contributes to mutual understanding, a sense of global citizenship and personal fulfilment. Students learn to appreciate different countries, cultures, communities and people. By making comparisons, students gain insight into their own culture and society. The ability to understand and communicate in another language is a lifelong skill for education, employment and leisure in this country and throughout the world.
WHAT KNOWLEDGE AND THEMES ARE COVERED?
The following areas are covered during the Key Stage:
- Myself, school equipment, numbers and colours. Basic phrases
- Where I live, family and surroundings
- School
- Sports and leisure activities
- My House
- Activities and past tense
- Daily routine
- Family, friends, illness
- Food and drink
- A visit to Paris
HOW IS IT ASSESSED?
Students’ progress is assessed on listening, speaking, reading and writing. It includes ongoing formative assessment and informative end of topic assessment.
WHERE DOES THIS TAKE ME?
KS3 learning provides a sound base for future language learning. Students who achieve highly have the required knowledge and skills to start a GCSE course.
What extra-curricular activities can students get involved in?
Languages club
What can my child do at home to improve his progress in this subject?
In French we use a website called Language Gym to practice in lesson and at home. The teacher will set up the task they need you to focus on while at home so that you know what you should be working so that it links with what we are learning in lesson. You are of course free and welcome to use this website at any time to learn whatever you want in addition to what you are asked to learn.
Quizlet is another online platform with specific revision for GCSE this will be set up in Google Classroom.
Blooket is a fun website to play games whilst learning French. Revision booklets form each module will be posted on Google Classroom (you can also find them in the school website)
And you can download Duolingo at home as an App on your phone (although you need to ask your parents' permission if you are under 13).
Last but not least you can also watch some films (Netflix/Amazon/Youtube) in French!
Key Stage 4 – GCSE French
WHAT WILL I LEARN ON THIS COURSE?
The GCSE Edexcel course develops the linguistic skills that are relevant and useful in a variety of social, leisure and work-related situations. The course provides a solid foundation in the target language and the emphasis is placed on the learner developing knowledge and understanding of language and grammar so that he can use the target language independently. The course builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills established during Key Stage 3. To achieve their goals, students work independently, in pairs and in groups. They need to learn vocabulary regularly and complete weekly homework tasks.
HOW IS THIS QUALIFICATION TAUGHT AND ASSESSED?
The content of the course relates to the five themes listed below and is delivered through the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Translating from the target language to English and vice-versa is another skill which is taught and assessed within the following themes:
- Identity and culture
- Local area, holiday and travel
- School
- Future aspirations, study and work
- International and global dimension
Literary texts are included in the authentic language reading and comprehension tasks.
You are assessed in GCSE French in the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing; 25% of the marks are allocated to each skill. Translating from French to English is part of the reading paper and translating from English to French is a component of the writing paper.
All the skills are assessed at the end of the course in 100% external assessment. There are tiered papers: Foundation tier and Higher tier papers and the grading system is 9 to 1, 9 being the highest grade.
WHAT QUALIFICATION WILL I ACHIEVE?
You will gain a GCSE in French.
WHERE WILL THIS QUALIFICATION TAKE ME?
The GCSE French qualification allows students to progress either directly to employment or to study for an Advanced Level qualification.
Recent surveys have shown that the five business languages most in demand in the UK are, in this order: French, German, Spanish, Italian and Dutch. ** Industries which are more globalised in nature, web-based, trading internationally or foreign-owned offer opportunities for people with language skills, they include: Business Services, Marketing, Media, Central Government, Technology, Engineering, Travel and Tourism and Financial Services. Languages come alive when combined with expertise in another field. **
HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE?
Contact Mr Styles: stylesr@ntc.kent.sch.uk
