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pdf icon French Department Trips, 2008-2009

Head of Department: Mrs S R Worthington

The Department is staffed by:

Mr B. Béjoint L-ès-L
Mr M. P. Bolger BA MLL
Mlle S. Fonteneau L-ès-L
Mr S. T. Forge MA
Mrs C. R. Gent MA
Miss A. Goodwin MA
Mr S. D. Johnston BA
Mr P. J. Lewins MA
Mme G. M. Morin-Skinner L-ès-FLE, L-ès-LCE
Mrs N. M. Mola BA MA
Mrs A. M. Page MA
Mrs S. R. Worthington BA
Mr T. D. Watson MA
Mlle L. Cabioch (French Assistant)

Course Content

1st and 2nd Form

No previous knowledge of the language is assumed, though in practice the majority of pupils do arrive with some previous experience. At this stage the basic grammatical foundations are laid and all four linguistic skills are developed, though the emphasis is placed on enjoyment and using the language productively. Some Second Year pupils have the opportunity of participating in an exchange to Orléans at the end of the year.

GCSE

The course followed is the AQA non-modular specification. Most pupils take the Writing Test option though some will offer the Course Work alternative if it is thought more appropriate for them to do so. The top two sets take their GCSE examination at the end of the Fourth Year; in the Fifth Form they either continue with a course based on film and literature, designed to facilitate the transition to Advanced Level work or they begin the study of Mandarin Chinese. Third Year pupils are encouraged to take part in the exchange with a school in Orléans while a revision study course in La Rochelle is offered to pupils at Easter immediately before the GCSE examination.

AS and A2

The AQA specification is again followed, with pupils taking the Coursework option in the Upper Sixth Form. Great emphasis is placed on studying the various themes in a French context, so much use is made of extracts from French newspapers, magazines and television broadcasts. As 35% of the examination is made up of the oral component, particular importance is attached to developing fluency and maturity of expression. All Sixth Form pupils have one lesson a week with one of the two French assistants and are encouraged to take part in the study trip to Paris or Lyon at Easter or the work experience exchange offered to both Lower and Upper Sixth Form pupils during the Michaelmas Long Exeat. The Course Work option enables pupils to study some French literature but also offers the possibility of examining other aspects of French culture or society such as film.


Page last updated Tue 10 Jun 2008 10:09