French

“French is the eleventh is widely spoken with 128 million speakers worldwide” United Nations. The French speaking world, is not only France but at least 40 other countries worldwide.

Department Vision:

To foster critical thinking, research and creativity skills.

Department Aim:

To facilitate a lifetime love of exploring language and to develop confidence in speaking, reading, writing and understanding of the French language in a variety of contexts.

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Examination Boards: AQA (GCSE 8658 – for current Year 11s only / A-level 7652)

AQA (GCSE 8652 – New specification starting Sept 2024)

The MFL Department has made the decision to change Examination Board for Year 10 students beginning their studies in September of 2024. Therefore, please be mindful that there are two learning ladders (LLs) and learning journeys (LJs) for GCSE students showing on the website. The Year 11s will be taught the current GCSE (French AQA 8658).

Knowledge and understanding of a foreign language to GCSE is highly valued by employers and universities because a language is an important life skill.

French is a popular subject with a consistent number of students opting to study it at GCSE every year. Learning French offers a gateway to communicating with people across the world. In fact, as a romance language, French can open the door to communication with many millions of other people who speak one of the other romance languages.

Language acquisition requires special skills that, once learned, can be used to become fluent in other languages relatively quickly due to the similarities in grammar structure and vocabulary. Understanding a language means understanding culturally enriching aspects of different societies. In order to stay competitive in today’s world, it is imperative that students learn the culture and language of other countries, especially France, which is so close geographically to the UK.

According to the European Union, French is the third most widely known language in Europe after English and German. French is also an official language of the United Nations and a large number of international organisations; it is used as an official language of the European Union.

Future Choices Post 18

French can be studied to degree level at university, either as a single degree option or as a joint degree. French can be a springboard to securing an apprenticeship to a company like Airbus. French is important in the business world and in diplomacy. Finally, French is a huge asset in the leisure and tourism business sector.

Learning Ladders

Click on the Learning Ladder to see a larger version. The Learning Ladder shows the subjects or topics that students will learn about each year. Click on any 'Year' roundel to view an in-depth Learning Journey for the year you have selected. This shows in more detail, what students will learn each term, with links to useful resources etc. (this applies to all roundels)

FRENCH KS3/4

View the Learning Ladder and the Learning Journey for this subject here.

FRENCH KS5

View the Learning Ladder and the Learning Journey for this subject here.

Wider Curriculum

The Wider Curriculum allows students to take a further interest in their subjects and subject related material they study at school. The Wider Curriculum also enables parents and carers to actively engage with the opportunities offered by each department.

WIDER CURRICULUM KS3

Each PDF is hyperlinked, so when you click on them, the links will take you to areas where you may read, view, listen, visit and be creative.

WIDER CURRICULUM KS4

Each PDF is hyperlinked, so when you click on them, the links will take you to areas where you may read, view, listen, visit and be creative.

WIDER CURRICULUM KS5

Each PDF is hyperlinked, so when you click on them, the links will take you to areas where you may read, view, listen, visit and be creative.

Career Options In French

These are some examples of career paths available if you study this subject:

Bilingual Interpreter/Translator, Bilingual Technical Writer, Teacher, Air Steward, Airline Sales Representative, Air Traffic Controller, Tour Guide, Tour Operator, Travel Representative, Customs Officer, Company Sales Representative, Computer Programmer, Credit Controller, Customer Support Adviser, Cultural Briefing Consultant, Engineer, Banker, Civil Servant, Secretary/PA, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalist/Travel Writer, Transport and Distribution Worker, Imports/Exports Manager, Foreign Office Ambassador, Local Government Worker, Medical Interpreter, Pharmacologist, The Armed Forces, Police Officer