About the subject:
French is taught to all Cassidy, Devereux and King tutor groups at Key Stage 3 and is an option subject for students in Key Stage 4. All French students will need to buy their own French dictionary.
Year 7, 8 & 9 overview:
All pupils irrespective of their year will take part in the following:
September – European Day of Languages
October – Role plays for demonstration at Open Evening
Feb/March – Eisteddfod
Pupils will also have the opportunity to become familiar with French traditions and customs throughout the year (e.g. Christmas, Easter,), and learn about the culture and arts in French speaking countries (media, films, plays, songs, poetry etc)
Year 7:
Coursebook: Metro / Camarades
Classes: 7 Cassidy, 7 King, 7 Devereux
Number of Lessons: 4 Hours per fortnight
Topics Covered: Self, School, Hobbies, Animals
Year 7 pupils also take part in the Routes into Languages Spelling Bee in French.
Pupils will have assessments in each of the 3 skills. They will also sit a Year 7 French exam.
Year 8:
Coursebook: Metro / Camarades
Classes: 8 Cassidy, 8 King, 8 Devereux
Number of Lessons: 4 Hours per fortnight
Topics Covered: Home & region, Food & drink, My Family
Pupils will have assessments in each of the 3 skills. They will also sit a Year 8 French exam.
Year 9:
Coursebook: Metro / Camarades
Classes: 9 Cassidy, 9 King, 9 Devereux
Number of lessons: 4 Hours per fortnight
Topics Covered: Holidays, Healthy lifestyle, Being a tourist, Films
Pupils will have assessments in each of the 3 skills. They will also sit a Year 9 French exam in the Spring term. Pupils from these form groups will have the opportunity to opt for French at GCSE.
GCSE French:
Coursebook: GCSE French (Crown House Publishing)
Classes: 10 and 11 FR
Pupils follow the WJEC exam syllabus which can be viewed here
Pupils are tested on 4 skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Key Themes
Identify and Culture
- Youth Culture – Self and relationships, Technology and Social Media
- Lifestyle – Health and Fitness, Entertainment and Leisure
- Customs and Traditions – Food and Drink, Festivals and Celebration
Wales and the World – areas of interest
- Home and Locality – Local areas of interest, Travel and Transport
- The Wider World – Local and regional features and characteristics of Germany and German-speaking countries, Holidays and tourism
- Global Sustainability – Environment, Social Issues
Current and Future Study and Employment
- Current Study – School/College life, School/College studies
- Enterprise, Employability and Future Plans – Skills and Personal Qualities, Post-16 Study, Career Plans, Employment
Examination:
Exam Board: WJEC
All pupils are entered for GCSE either foundation or higher tier. Pupils are tested on 4 skill areas; Writing, Speaking, Listening and Reading.
The course is examined by controlled assessment [60%] and terminal exam [40%].
- Writing: pupils will produce a series of written papers in French on a variety of topics. The best 2 pieces will be submitted to the exam board for external marking.
- Speaking: pupils will take part in a conversation lasting a maximum of 5 minutes and give a short presentation on a topic of their choice followed by a discussion. This is marked and forwarded to the exam board for external moderation.
- Listening and reading: in May/June of Year 11, pupils sit an exam for listening and reading.