French

Language learning at Archbishop Tenison's

At Archbisop Tenison's we aim to make language learning a positive, rewarding and accessible experience for all learners, regardless of ability, background or belief.

In year 7 pupils have two or three timetabled periods of either French or Spanish, and from September 2010, we are hoping to offer both to the first two sets. All lessons are taught by experienced linguists, one of whom is a native speaker of French. The emphasis, in the early stages, is on enjoyment and interaction, and pupils are encouraged to participate in a range of engaging activities that allow them to grow in confidence and build their skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Topics covered include the family, school, activities and personal description, empowering students to offer personal information and opinions. They become confident in the use of a bi-lingual dictionary and begin to identify language patterns that allow them to manipulate language for themselves. Students also have the opportunity to discover the Francophone and Hispanic worlds and we explore the great variety of cultures within these. This is a theme that continues through teaching at key stage 3.

Students continue their language learning into year 8 but begin to expand their knowledge of grammar. Among the main topics studied are Home and abroad, food and drink and travel and transport. We have also included a film unit into the French scheme of work and study Louis Malle's "Au revoir les Enfants". This is timed to fit in with Holocaust Memorial bay in January and is a cross curricular project with history, giving an insight into France during the second world war, collaboration and persecution.

At the end of year 8 students make a decision whether or not to continue their linguistic journey onto GCSE. Students are made aware, through Departmental resources, how desirable a qualification in a modern foreign language is, and that it is seen as an advantage by colleges, universities and prospective employers.

The Department runs an exciting programme of trips providing enrichment and cultural experiences for students. This includes a day in Northern France and a four day residential trip to Paris.

At GCSE we study the Edexel syllabus and place equal emphasis on enhancing the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students' assessment is ongoing via controlled assessment in class. Students are encouraged to listen and read in order to extract general information and specific detail, often using authentic materials. Topics are studied in depth and enriched through the use of IT and audio visual aids. As the course progresses, students also develop an awareness of French cultural issues and an appreciation of French lifestyle and society. There will be opportunities for trips and visits, designed to bring pupils into contact with native speakers: highlights in previous years have included cinema trips, a visit from a French theatre group, a workshop with a French hip hop group and attendance at a GCSE French conference.