FRENCH at KEY STAGE 4

During Key stage 4, our pupils begin to use French more independently, with a firmer grasp of grammar and a wider and more complex range of expression. They adapt their use of the language to communicate effectively according to context, purpose and audience. They learn to understand a more extensive range of unfamiliar language by reading and listening to a variety of materials from countries and communities where the language is spoken. They also increase their cultural awareness through, whenever possible, direct contact with people from the French-speaking world.

The four skill areas of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing are encouraged and expanded throughout the course, which prepares pupils for the IGCSE examination at the end of Year 11.

The range and style of activities is varied to meet the needs of all pupils and to give each one a sense of achievement. The course is not only focused on exam success but also on language learning as a fundamental means of communication in today’s wider world. 

All pupils will be taught to:

acquire knowledge and understanding of French

• the principles and interrelationship of sounds and writing in the target language
• the grammar of French and how to apply it
• how to express themselves using a range of vocabulary and structures

develop language skills

• how to listen carefully for gist and detail
• use correct pronunciation and intonation
• how to ask and answer questions, begin and develop conversations
• how to vary French to suit context, audience, purpose
• how to adapt language already learnt for different contexts
• strategies for dealing with the unpredictable
• techniques for skimming and scanning written texts for information
• how to summarise and report main points of written or spoken French
• how to redraft writing to improve accuracy

develop language-learning skills

• techniques for memorizing words, phrases and short extracts
• how to use context and other clues to interpret meaning
• to use their knowledge of English and Spanish
• how to use bi-lingual dictionaries and other reference material
• how to develop their independence in learning and using French

develop cultural awareness

• work with a variety of materials in the target language
• consider their own culture and and compare it with French-speaking communities

Range of topics covered: 

 Pupils attend on a rota basis a weekly class with the Language Assistant for extra speaking practice in preparation for the Paper 3 IGCSE examination in French.

 Pupils in Year 10 who have achieved high grades in French in Key stage 3 are recommended to follow an accelerated course in order to sit the IGCSE exam at the end of Year 10. Thus, they are enabled to cross the threshold to more advanced language – in Year 11, these pupils are prepared for the DELF official exams.

www.cie.org.uk