French

"Apprenez une langue - faites de nouveaux amis !"

Learn a language and make new friends!

(Association for Language Learning)

YEARS 7-11

French is the first modern foreign language taught at the College. Most pupils will learn French over five years to GCSE.

In Year 7 pupils learn in mixed-ability groups, assuming no previous knowledge. Thereafter, from Year 8, sets progress at varying levels of ability but to common targets.

We use the teaching courses "Expo" and "Métro". Every pupil is equipped with a copy. In the final year of GCSE we also use a variety of specialised teaching and revision materials.

Sixth Form

We regularly have one set preparing the OCR syllabus for A/S in the Lower Sixth and for A2 (full A level) in the Upper Sixth. The main text book is Élan, however, a wide variety of books and contemporary material is used to study cultural, literary and non-literary topics. Students may also opt for IB where they can study at standard or higher level.

Our suite of modern language classrooms has CD or cassette players and overhead-projectors throughout. We have easy access to television, video and ICT facilities. Students also have a range of new materials to enable independent learning, which will also assist in preparing students for post-18 education. French magazines and books of interest are also available in the library. A full-time French assistant(e) further supports our intensive oral work.

Results

In 2009, 90% of our GCSE candidates achieved grade C or above. At A level the pass rate was 100%, with all candidates gaining an A or B grade. At AS level the pass rate was 88%, 50% at grade A.

An annual Year 8 Junior French Trip takes place in June at the Château de la Baudonniére in Normandy. We also have an biennial exchange-link with a French lycée, in Brest, Brittany for pupils in Year 9 and above.

'Vive La France!'