Subject Information

Course Summary

The course is divided into 4 skills: listening, reading, speaking and writing, enabling students to develop language skills in a variety of contexts. Students cover topics which come under the headings of:

• Identity and Culture.

• Local, national, international and global areas of interest.

• Current and future study and employment.

Students Suited to the Course

Students of all abilities with an interest in the French culture as well as the language will be interested in this course. Students who wish to work in industries such as Business, Leisure, Travel and Hospitality sectors will find this subject a valuable asset.

Students who have studied KS3 French will be in a position to take this course.

Course Structure

Students will be taught content from the above three themes including topics such as social media, mobile technology, eating out, cinema and TV, sport and music. They will also learn about global issues, the environment, healthy living and poverty, focusing in particular on French speaking countries. Finally students will have a chance to explore their future opportunities and how learning a language may benefit them in the future.

Together with developing their topic based vocabulary students will work on grammar skills and develop their ability to translate along with having an opportunity to study authentic French literature.

Assessment Methods

Each skill (listening, reading, speaking and writing) counts for 25% of the final GCSE grade and will be examined at the end of Year 11. All four exams cover all topic areas.

Listening paper

35 minute exam (F tier), 45 minute exam (H tier)

Reading paper

45 minutes (F tier), 1hr (H tier)

Speaking exam

7-9 minutes (F tier), 10-12 minutes (H tier). Role-play, photo card and conversation.

Writing paper

1hr (F tier), 1hr 15 minutes (H tier)

Possible Progressions

Students can carry on to A level French or pursue a career in one of the professions mentioned.

Useful Websites

http://www.languagenut.com/

http://www.newsinslowfrench.com/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjec

Contact: Mrs Perseu