THE TEAM

Mrs L Isaacs	Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages
Miss N Leon	Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages
Mrs M Mortimer	Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages

Mrs L Power

Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages

INTRODUCTION TO THE DEPARTMENT

As a department, we believe that learning another language is invaluable and that it can help individuals to broaden their horizons, understand more about the world they live in and appreciate the differences in our cultures. We aim to build on transferable language skills that students may have acquired at Key Stage 2 and develop them through Key Stages 3 and 4 so that they are confident expressing themselves in spoken and written work and are able to infer meaning from texts they have read or spoken French they have heard.

WHY STUDY FRENCH?

Whatever plans you may have for the future, knowledge of another language is a valuable life skill, which can create many new and exciting opportunities, for example travel, as well as appreciating cultural differences in the world today. By the end of the French course, you will be able to successfully communicate with over 200 million French speakers around the world and potentially use this ability as an advantage in the international job market. French works well with any subject due to the wide range of topics covered in the course content. Not only will you learn about France itself, you will also acquire essential communication skills and will gain a greater appreciation for French literature and cinema.

FUTURE ACADEMIC AND CAREER PATHWAYS

By studying French, you will have chosen a subject that is highly regarded by all universities in the country and it will certainly open a multitude of career paths for you in the future.

COURSE CONTENT

Students will be studying the AQA syllabus.

In addition to studying French film and literature (taken from the exam specification) students will study a range of topics that will enable them to form their own political views, appreciate cultural differences and challenge some of the injustices that exist in the world today.

Year 12 topics include: charity work, national heritage, the importance of family, cybersociety and contemporary film and music.

Year 13 topics include: immigration, young people and political engagement, diversity, life for the  marginalised in society and the treatment of criminals.

ASSESSMENT

Paper 1: Listening/Reading/Writing, 2 hours and 30 minutes, 100 marks, 50% of A Level

Paper 2: Writing about one film and one book that you have studied, 2 hours, 80 marks, 20% of A Level

Paper 3: Oral exam: Discussion of topic card followed by discussion of independent research project, 21-23

minutes, 60 marks, 30% of A Level

EXTRACURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES

• Sixth Form trip to Paris

• Student conferences in London and at the Royal Grammar School, Guildford

• Surrey/Reading University taster sessions

• Language ambassadors to assist in learning clubs for Years 7–9

• Trips to the French Institute, London

• Mary Glasgow wider reading magazine subscription

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum of a grade 6 in GCSE French.