French
Head of Department: Mrs H D Kent – hdk@barneyschool.org.uk
Teacher of MFL: Mr A R Jacobs
Teacher of MFL : Mrs C J Riley
Teacher of MFL : Mr A Still
Teacher of MFL : Mr S J F Tomlinson
Introduction
GCSE French helps students develop their language skills in a variety of contexts and provides a broad understanding of the culture of countries and communities where French is spoken. It encourages enjoyment of language learning and the recognition that language skills enable students to take their place in a multi-lingual global society.
All students in Years 10 and 11 are required to learn at least one Modern Foreign Language. Most choose to continue with French alone, although the possibility exists of combining this with either German or Spanish. Students are encouraged throughout to speak the language and talk about everyday experiences and express personal opinions on a range of topics, as well as dealing with the type of situation and language they may encounter in a foreign country. The teaching of important grammatical material, however, is not overlooked.
Course/Exam board: GCSE AQA 8658
Specification at a glance
Unit 1 – French Listening
Unit 2 – French Reading
Unit 3 – French Speaking
Unit 4 – French Writing
Your route through the syllabus and assessment
There are four examined skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. All are assessed by exam at the end of Year 11. The four skills are available at Foundation Tier and Higher Tier, with students opting for the same tier across all four skills. Students study all of the following themes on which the assessments are based:
Theme 1: Identity and culture
Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest
Theme 3: Current and future study and employment
What French can do for you
Languages are becoming ever more important in our modern world. GCSE French is the first step along a road which, if continued, is not only personally rewarding but could lead to pupils becoming valuable assets within their organisation. Learning French increases self-confidence and broadens horizons.
