French

Our modern foreign languages (MFL) knowledge rich curriculum aims to instil a love of language learning coupled with an appreciation of other cultures. Its main purpose is to enthuse and equip learners to become competent manipulators of the foreign language, who can communicate accurately, with excellent pronunciation and spelling, in spoken and written forms.

The gradual expanding domain of carefully selected and interleaved language, which is both meaningful and relevant to everyday life, enables learners to access and produce language with higher degrees of complexity. In an ever-changing world of technology, globalisation and the competition for jobs, having a language can open doors for young people and determine an exciting future.

Our aim

• To encourage students’ interest, enthusiasm, knowledge and understanding of a new language for their own personal interest and to provide a sound basis for success in examinations.
• To foster positive attitudes which encourage enthusiasm for languages. 
• To ensure that all students have a confident grasp of the languages they are studying.
• To offer students a range of activities to explore language, including cross-curricular activities.
• To raise awareness of the cultures in the countries where these languages are spoken.
• To achieve communicative confidence and competence in the language.
• To provide enjoyment and intellectual stimulation, and to encourage students to continue their study of the language.

Sequence and rationale

New vocabulary and structures are taught in a logical order, with grammar being intrinsically embedded and taught in context.

Students build up their repertoire of language by constantly recycling and combining, or chunking, vocabulary. These structures and grammar are taught through listening, reading, speaking and writing activities. 

The rationale here is to practise regularly the four language skills needed to be a successful linguist and to use the language sufficiently for it to embed into long-term memory.

Curriculum Map

At GCSE level we currently follow the Pearson Studio AQA French course book, and students may purchase their own copy for personal study if they wish.

We recommend CGP Complete Revision & Practice as extra material at Key Stage 4 – available through the Academy website.

Career Opportunities Supported by this Subject

There are many benefits to learning a foreign language.

It will, amongst other benefits:

• Give students a useful skill 
• Enable communication with people from other countries
• Increase employment prospects 
• Improve listening and memory skills in all subjects
• Educate students about the wider world

A Modern Foreign Language is one of the key components of the English Baccalaureate, and many universities and colleges have made language studies to GCSE level compulsory or at least desirable for admission.

The ability to speak and understand one or more foreign languages is very useful in many careers. Some are examples are: Sales and Marketing, Tourism, Banking, Secretarial Work, Administration, Accountancy, Management, Consultancy, Teaching, Armed Forces, Law and the Diplomatic Service.

Curriculum Vision

The Modern Foreign Languages Curriculum Lead is Mrs Christina Ward.