OUR DEPARTMENT AIMS
We aim to make the learning of French as enjoyable as possible. Overall, our aims are to provide learners with a rewarding experience to language learning and to develop their confidence to communicate in French. We aim to stimulate every pupils’ interest and enjoyment of learning a modern foreign language in a safe place of learning.
The French Department at Mountain Ash Comprehensive school is an innovative and well resourced Department. Our teachers are experienced, dedicated and hard working. French is a popular subject at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School, with learners opting for the subject at all levels of ability. The Department has produced some very impressive results both at GCSE and A level.
We use a range of teaching resources including the “Passe-Partout” text book which is enjoyed by pupils and staff alike. We further supplement this resource with our own worksheets which include a variety of texts and ICT equipment which enhances learning. Topics are taught through the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Pupils are encouraged to participate actively in lessons in a safe and positive learning environment. We incorporate fun activities into the lessons such as singing French songs, playing language games, using mini whiteboards, watching extracts of French clips on YouTube and using the interactive white board. We encourage pupils to use ICT in French and we subscribe to a French language learning website that pupils can access both at home and at school. The target language of French is used in all lessons. Setting occurs at the end of Year 7. The setting is based on end of year examination results plus continuous assessments during the course. Pupils receive regular homework and are formally assessed at the end of every topic.
FRENCH AT KEY STAGE 3
French is taught to all pupils in Key Stage 3. Pupils study topics including personal introductions, food items, alphabet, dates, greetings, school life, classroom equipment, descriptions and free time activities. Previous knowledge is then built upon as the progress through year groups and pupils learn topics including snacks, drinks, the Euro, family, weather, time, opinions and the Tour de France. Writing and grammar becomes more important toward the end of Key Stage 3, although both are introduced in a fun and stimulating way. Further topics of work studied at this stage include Holidays, activities in the perfect tense, time idioms, future plans, illness, clothes and colours.
FRENCH AT KEY STAGE 4
French GCSE is a course that builds on subject content taught at KS3 and provides a suitable foundation for the study of French at ether AS or A level. The French Department follows the WJEC Specification for GCSE. Although the Specification has recently changed, the topics remain the same.
The context for learning the language is organised under three broad themes:
- Identity and Culture
- Wales & the World – areas of interest
- Current & Future study and employment
Further detail and information about the structure of the course can be found here: https://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/french-gcse/
FRENCH AT KEY STAGE 5
The Department follows the WJEC Specification at AS & A Level.
What do students learn at AS?
Theme 1: Being a young person in French-speaking society. Family structures, traditional and modern values, friendships & relationships. Youth trends, issues and personal identity. Educational and employment opportunities.
Theme 2: Understanding the French-speaking world. Regional culture and heritage in France, French-speaking countries and communities. Literature, art, film and music in the French-speaking world.
And at A level?
Theme 3: Diversity and difference. Migration and integration. Cultural identity and marginalisation. Cultural enrichment and celebrating difference. Discrimination and diversity.
Theme 4: France 1940-1950:The Occupation and the post-war years. From June 1940-May 1945 (Occupation, liberation and end of World War II). Life in Occupied France and the cultural dimension (théâtre, cinéma, litérature). 1945-1950: rebuilding and restructuring. Repercussions for modern day France.
Further detail and information about the structure of the course can be found here: https://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/french-as-a-level/
