French
Staff
Mrs S Murray MA PGCE (Head of Department)
Mrs L Kane BA DASE PGCE
Miss N Wylie MA BA PGCE
Mr J Maxwell BA MSc PGCE PQH
Why Study French
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A recent skills survey revealed that amongst employers specifically looking for employees with language skills alongside German, French is the most sought after language.
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French is one of the two official languages of the EU, so it is a useful asset for anyone wanting to work in European Institutions or within a business operating in European markets.
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Given the proximity of France many British and Irish business have trade links with France
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74% of employers are looking to employ people with conversational language skills.
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A recent report by the Higher Education Funding Council for England reported that after 3 ½ years, the mean salary of language graduates is higher than that of graduates in Engineering, Mathematical Sciences and Chemistry.
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French is the first or second language in over 45 countries or regions world-wide. Studying French therefore offers an insight into the language, culture and society of metropolitan France, and opens onto an exciting spectrum of cultures throughout the world.
What We Study In French
Key Stage 3
Pupils start learning French in Year 8 and continue with the language until the end of Year 10.
Year 8
In Year 8 pupils learn how to greet people and give personal details about themselves. They learn how to talk about their family, including pets, and their home. They also learn classroom vocabulary, numbers, days, months, the weather, how to say the alphabet and are able to express opinions. We also feel that it is very important that pupils learn about the country itself and in Year 8 pupils research and present a PowerPoint presentation on some aspect of France or French culture.
Year 9
In Year 9 pupils learn to discuss their likes and dislikes, looks and personality, school and pastimes. They also learn to describe their town and ask for directions.
Year 10
In Year 10 pupils do more work on pastimes, learning to use the past tense and describe a past trip. They also learn to discuss relationships, clothes, meals and where they live.
GCSE / Key Stage 4
At the end of Year 10 you can choose to do French for GCSE.
A GCSE Modern Language consists of the four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Not only will you improve your ability in French, but your English will also improve! Having studied a language, travel becomes more interesting and you will have a better understanding of the world around you.
The French GCSE course is divided into 3 topics:
- Identity, lifestyle and culture
- Local, National, International and Global Areas of Interest
- School life, Studies and the World of Work
Exam Board - CCEA
Four Units are being sat:
Unit 1: Listening - 1 paper - 25%
Unit 2: Speaking - 2 role plays and 1 conversation on 2 topics - 25%
Unit 3: Reading - 1 paper - 25%
Unit 4: Writing - 1 paper - 25%
All units are sat in Year 12, from April onwards.
A Level / Key Stage 5
Pupils have the option to select French for A Levels.
A Level French will give you a fascinating insight into the French language and culture. It will help you develop your communication and various other skills and provide an essential basis for further study at degree level.
Exam Board – CCEA
The 4 skills ( Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing ) are being developed and assessed throughout the 2 years.
Students study 4 themes:
- Relationships (AS)
- Culture and Lifestyle (AS)
- Young people in society (A2)
- Our place in a changing world (A2)
- AS - 40% of A Level
- A2 - 60% of A Level
AS Assessment Units:
- Unit 1 - Speaking - 12% of A Level
- Unit 2 - Listening, Reading and Use of Langauge - 16% of A Level
- Unit 3 - Extended Writing (on a film) - 12% of A Level
A2 Assessment Units:
- Unit 1 - Speaking - 18% of A Level
- Unit 2 - Listening and Reading - 24% of A Level
- Unit 3 - Extended Writing - 18% of A Level (on a literary text)
Knowledge of languages is the doorway to wisdom.
- Roger Bacon
Career Options
Having a qualification in French will be an advantage in many careers:
Marketing and Public Relations
Finance and Banking
Media
Travel and Tourism
Teaching
Event Organiser
Journalism
Law
International Sales Manager
Customer Relations
Technology
Engineering
The list is endless.
