French

Overview

Mme I. Saunders  - Head of French

“L’image la plus exacte de l’esprit français est la langue française elle-même”
(“The most accurate picture of the French spirit is the French language itself”)
Désiré Nisard (French author and literary critic, 1806-1888)

The department is passionate about fostering a love of French language and culture in our students. We aim to not only develop the linguistic competence of our students, but also to impart a thorough understanding of the different cultures of the French-speaking world.

Boys are introduced to French in Year 7 and carry on studying the subject in Year 8 with an emphasis on practical linguistic competence. A large number of students choose to study French at GCSE and we have a significant amount of linguists who decide to study this language at a more advanced level.

The department believes in the importance of bringing a language to life by spending time in a country in which it is spoken.  Year 7 pupils usually have the opportunity to participate in a day-trip to Boulogne.  The theatre company Onatti performs a French play to all students in Years 9 and 10.  It is expected that pupils studying GCSE French will participate in a residential trip to Normandy or our exchange with L´Institution de la Croix Blanche in Bondues near Lille or both. 

Our aim is to teach engaging and fun lessons, while providing our students with a sound understanding of the grammar and phonics. Our native-speaker assistant contributes to the achievement of excellent levels of oral competence of both our middle-school and upper-school students.

French Curriculum Summaries:

Assessment Process:

Assessment and Feedback Process - Years 7 - 13

Wider reading suggestions for our students of French

KS3, KS4, KS5 French Reading Suggestions