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French

Inspiring Confident and Successful Language Learners

At our school, we believe that learning a language is an important part of a rich and ambitious education. French is the language taught throughout the school, giving every student the opportunity to develop valuable communication skills, broaden their cultural understanding and gain a qualification that can support them well beyond school.

We have high expectations of all our students and are committed to creating a positive learning environment where excellent behaviour, effort and achievement go hand in hand. Through French, students are encouraged to become confident communicators, resilient learners and curious young people with an appreciation of the wider world.

Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3, students follow the Dynamo French programme, which develops students’ confidence and skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing while building their knowledge of French vocabulary and grammar.

  • Year 7: Dynamo 1
  • Year 8: Dynamo 2
  • Year 9: Dynamo 3

The course provides students with a strong foundation in French and prepares them for the demands of GCSE study.

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4, students follow the Pearson Edexcel GCSE French – Higher Tier course.

Students develop their ability to communicate confidently in French across a range of familiar and authentic contexts. The course focuses on the four key language skills:

  • Listening
  • Speaking
  • Reading
  • Writing

Students also develop their understanding of French-speaking countries and communities, as well as their knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. The course prepares students for the Pearson Edexcel GCSE French examinations and supports them in becoming increasingly independent and confident language learners.

Key Stage 3

Our Key Stage 3 French curriculum is designed to build strong foundations in vocabulary, grammar and communication while making learning French enjoyable and purposeful.

Students follow the Dynamo French programme:

  • Year 7 – Dynamo 1
  • Year 8 – Dynamo 2
  • Year 9 – Dynamo 3

Students develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing, while progressively expanding their vocabulary and understanding of French grammar. They also learn about French-speaking countries and cultures, helping them to understand and appreciate perspectives beyond their own.

By the end of Key Stage 3, students have developed a secure foundation in French and are well prepared to progress to GCSE.

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4, students study Pearson Edexcel GCSE French – Higher Tier.

The GCSE course enables students to develop their ability to communicate confidently and accurately in French across a range of topics and real-life situations. Students continue to develop the four key language skills:

  • Listening
  • Speaking
  • Reading
  • Writing

Alongside language development, students deepen their knowledge of French-speaking countries and communities and develop a stronger understanding of grammar, vocabulary and authentic French.

Why Choose French?

French is one of the world's major languages and is spoken across many countries and continents. Learning French gives students the opportunity to communicate with people from different backgrounds and cultures and opens doors to future opportunities in education, travel and employment.

Studying French can also help students to:

  • Develop excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Improve their understanding of grammar and how language works.
  • Build confidence and resilience through learning a new language.
  • Develop cultural awareness and a broader understanding of the world.
  • Prepare for further study and future career opportunities.
  • Gain a valuable and academically respected GCSE qualification.

Our Ambition

Our aim is for every student to leave our school feeling confident, successful and proud of their ability to communicate in French.

We want students to see French not simply as a school subject, but as a skill that can enrich their lives and provide opportunities for their future. Through high expectations, excellent learning and positive behaviour, we strive to ensure that every student can make strong progress and achieve their potential in French.

Extra Curricular / Clubs

Extra-Curricular

The French Department is keen to provide students with the chance to visit the country where the language they study is spoken. Each year we aim to take at least one trip abroad. 

 

 

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