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| INTRODUCTION The Department’s primary aim is to teach pupils the basic language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing and to give them an awareness of the culture, history, geography and customs of a foreign country. STAFFING The Department has three specialist teachers: Mr M P Sharpe BA Hons London University Head of Department Mr C W Robinson BA Hons Keele University Mr P Stott BA Newcastle University ACCOMMODATION Two pleasant specialist rooms are well equipped with audio equipment, TVs with video and DVD facility and a European satellite dish giving access to foreign language TV programmes broadcast live from their country of origin. CURRICULUM Key Stage 3 French is the main language and is compulsory from Years 7 to 9 after which it becomes an option for further study to GCSE level (Key Stage 4). The principal course book used is Avantage. Other resources used are a ten position Language laboratory to facilitate and supplement listening skills and French television. Classroom teaching is based on instruction via the communication skills of speaking and writing. Pupils work in pairs or groups to practise conversational skills. Homeworks revolve around written exercises, creative writing, reading preparation and vocabulary and language learning. There are four 50 minute lessons per week. Key Stage 4 Pupils opting for French to GCSE go into two mixed ability groups. Teaching methods are similar to those in the lower School. The tempo of lessons is understandably high as pupils are pushed hard to develop and perfect language skills accrued at Key stage 3. The Course book used is Encore Tricolore 4, Nouvelle Edition. European Languages The Department has recently embarked on a new initiative to broaden awareness of European language and culture. Two forms, one each in Years 10 and 11, are following the Department’s own course. 10A are studying basic Spanish for one term, followed by a term of German. 11A are currently studying basic German and will change to Spanish for the Spring Term. Before going on Study Leave, they will have a short re-familiarisation with the French they acquired up to Key Stage 3. Although this is a non-examinable course, they will receive a Certificate of Achievement awarded by the School. EXAMINATIONS GCSE Since the inception of GCSE in 1988, results in French have been excellent and vary between 75% and 90%, with plenty of A’s and A*s. AS/A2 French There is every year a small group of high achievers at GCSE level who opt to do Advanced Level Studies in French. As with GCSE, the examination board is AQA. |
