GCSE FRENCH

---

There is no doubt that the study of a foreign language is a key component of any balanced curriculum.

 

Aims

---

In line with the aims of the MFL department we strive to build upon the strong basis of knowledge acquired at KS3 and develop the skills of:

• Listening
• Speaking
• Reading
• Writing

The syllabus aims to:

• develop the ability to understand and use French effectively for purposes of practical communication
• develop the ability to use and understand French both imaginatively and creatively
• develop an understanding of the grammar of French
• develop an awareness of the nature of language learning
• offer insights into the culture and civilisation of French – speaking countries and communities
• encourage positive attitudes to foreign languages and a positive approach to other cultures and civilisations
• develop students’ understanding of themselves and their own culture
• provide enjoyment and intellectual stimulation
• form a sound base of skills, language and attitude required for further study, work and leisure
• promote skills which have a wider application such as information technology and learning skills (e.g. analysis, memorising, drawing inference)

General Objectives

---

Listening (AT1) the ability to understand and respond to spoken language

Speaking (AT2) the ability to communicate in speech

Reading (AT3) the ability to read, understand and respond written language

Writing (AT4) the ability to communicate in writing

European Dimension

---

Few doubt the importance of the study of a language in today’s Europe. The ability to communicate in one, if not more European languages is a bonus in the world of work and leisure at all stages of life. School provides a context for applied, supported language learning which is difficult to find in later life. French is a worldwide language and a key EU language. Learning a foreign language teaches students to be tolerant as we recognise and celebrate the

differences between peoples and can better understand attitudes expressed by people from cultures other than our own. The Erasmus programme at university level allows students following a wide variety of courses to spend a year of their studies abroad and use language skills acquired at school while following a course in their chosen area of further study. Past pupils have been able to study Law in France for a year or Medicine at a French University. A language is as vital a skill as IT in the European context and allows pupils to access funding from the EU to study abroad.

 

Exposure to France and French culture is of great value to the pupils as they can practise their reading and listening skills simply by being in the country. Pupils enjoy the variety of tasks offered to them from pair work to independent study to improve their overall linguistic skills.

 

The exact details of the new GCSE course will be published during 2008. There may be some changes in emphasis but the general linguistic content will be the same.

Weighting

---

Each attainment Target will carry equal weighting.

 

Year 10 course is as follows:

 

Term 1

---

Module 1:

• Chez Moi :
  • Describing personality, friends, family

Module 2:

• Ma Ville :
  • Describing area and home town
  • Advantages town/countryside
  • Helping at home

Term 2

---

Module 3:

• Temps libre :
  • Leisure activities
  • Making arrangements
  • Cinema

Module 4:

• Au boulot :
  • World of work
  • Part time jobs
  • Future career and work experience

Term 3

---

Module 6:

• Aux Magasins :
  • Shopping and shops
  • Advantages of shopping centres
  • Problems with purchases

Year 11

---

Term 1

---

Module 1:

• En Vacances :
  • Describing holidays
  • Places to stay
  • Arranging accommodation

Module 2:

• Les Médias :
  • TV programmes
  • Advertising
  • Services & problem

Term 2

---

Module 4:

• La Cuisine :
  • Healthy eating
  • Life styles

Module 5:

• Etudes :
  • School life
  • Further education

Module 6:

• Le Transport :
  • Means of transport
  • Ecological issues and environment

 

Term 3

---

• Exam practice in 4 skill areas
• Revision of all topics covered

Grammar Focus

---

During KS4 will be on revising verbs and tenses met in KS3 and increasing confidence and expertise in using them appropriately. Genders, adjectives, adverbs, comparatives, superlatives, relative pronouns, infinitive constructions will be revised and re-inforced during the two year course.

 

Homework

---

Homework is generally set after each lesson to practise or extend what has been covered. It may take a variety of forms: learning vocabulary, preparing

and learning for oral test, reading or listening comprehension, writing, preparation and writing of coursework.

 

Assessment

---

• Vocabulary will be tested in the lesson after the learning homework was set.
• Classwork and written homeworks will be marked, where appropriate, in accordance with the Faculty guidelines on a scale of I (excellent) to VI (unsatisfactory).

At the end of each unit, formal assessment will take place in at least two skills.

 

Coursework

---

3 pieces of coursework will be written during Year 11 consisting of approximately 600 words each. They will include past, present, future tenses and opinions and will be based on the topics studied in Year 11. One piece will be completed before Christmas and two others before Easter.

Core Subjects

---