KS4 French

Curriculum Content

GCSE French covers the four skill areas of language learning - listening, speaking, reading and writing. Courses are based upon the following themes:
My World
Work and Lifestyle
Holiday Time and Travel
The Young Person in Society

Teaching Methods

Pupils are taught in sets according to ability. The main aim of the course is to enable pupils to communicate in a foreign language, so there is a lot of speaking and listening. Other methods may include the use of flashcards, cassettes, overhead projector, video and Information Technology.

Pupils work on their own, in pairs or in groups depending on the activity. The use of reference materials, especially bilingual dictionaries, is an integral part of the course.

Lessons are conducted in French where appropriate, but they are supported by English if necessary.

Resources

Given the need for authentic and up to date resources, pupils draw on a variety of materials from a number of different sources. These include text books, teacher-produced materials, extracts from magazines, newspapers, brochures, and reference materials such as bilingual dictionaries and glossaries. Pupils use the appropriate METRO 4 course book.

Skills and Knowledge

Apart from developing the ability to use a foreign language effectively, both inside and outside the classroom, the learning of a foreign language helps to develop general communication skills. It also promotes co-operation with other pupils and independent learning as well as fostering positive attitudes towards speakers of other languages and cultures throughout the world.

Assessment

Throughout the course pupils are assessed in classwork, homework and tests.
Significant assessment tasks, based on examination-style questions, are marked according to the GCSE marking scheme.
Pupils are entered for the AQA GCSE examination. All four skills are examined and each carries 25% of the marks.
There are two entry tiers – Foundation (grades C – G) and Higher (grades A* - D).
Pupils may be entered for either Foundation or Higher in each skill.
Coursework replaces the Writing Test for the final examination.

Pupils are encouraged to buy their own bilingual dictionary.

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