French
Modern Languages Trips, 2010-11
Head of Department: Mr S. Jessop
The Department is staffed by:
Mr B. Béjoint L-ès-L
Mr M. P. Bolger BA MLL
Miss S. Davidson MA Mlle S. Fonteneau L-ès-L
Mr S. T. Forge MA
Mrs C. R. Gent MA
Mr S. Jessop BA
Mr S. D. Johnston BA
Mr P. J. Lewins MA
Mme G. M. Morin-Skinner L-ès-FLE, L-ès-LCE
Mrs A. M. Page MA
Mr T. D. Watson MA
Mlle R. Lampron (French Assistante)
Mrs A. Cramp (French Assistante)
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. During the two year GCSE course pupils will submit 2 Writing and 2 Oral assessments, with Reading and Listening units at the end of the Fifth form. 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 may begin the study of Mandarin Chinese, Italian and Arabic. 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 2 units in Lower and Upper Sixth. Great emphasis is placed on studying the various themes in a French context, so much use is made of extracts from French newspapers, magazines online resources and television broadcasts. As 30% 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 at Easter or the work experience exchange offered to both Lower and Upper Sixth Form pupils during the Michaelmas Long Exeat. The cultural option in Upper 6th enables pupils to study some French literature but also offers the possibility of examining other aspects of French culture such as film.