All students begin French in Year 7 using a modern, lively
course which incorporates recorded as well as visual material
supplemented by interactive, online activities. The course caters
for complete beginners as well as those who have already learnt
some French at primary school.
We provide a good grounding in reading, writing, listening and
speaking skills. All students have regular lessons in the ICT suite
or in the new language facility and, from Year 11 onwards, they
have regular conversation lessons with the French Assistant, either
individually or in very small groups.
At AS and A2 students follow the AQA specification. The emphasis
is on learning about modern French life, culture and institutions
as well as continuing to build up linguistic skills. We encourage
students to develop their skills through independent study and
research and by borrowing from our extensive stock of films, books
and magazines and using the interactive and online activities which
form part of the course.
Above all we aim to encourage enjoyment and confidence in the
use of the language both inside and outside the classroom. Students
in Years 9 and 10 have the opportunity to take part in the Exchange
visit to Moulins, which is run jointly with the Boys' Division and,
since 2005, Sixth Form students have undertaken work experience in
France. We also run study and film evenings for Sixth Form
students.