We aim to:

• Provide a learning environment in which pupils can both enjoy language-learning activities and find intellectual stimulation.
• Develop pupils’ fluency and accuracy in the four skill areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing.
• Equip pupils to be successful in public examination and beyond.

What staff and facilities are available to the department?

The department is staffed by six teachers and occupies five classrooms and one smaller room, used by Sixth Form groups. There are also two language laboratories, one of which is a multi-media centre.

How much time will I spend on this subject per ten day cycle?

• Lower School: 3 lessons (3 hours) with ½ hour homework per week
• GCSE: 5 lessons (5 hours) with 2 hours of homework per week
• A Level: 10 lessons (10 hours) with at least 3 hours of individual study per week

What is French in the Lower School like?

Pupils are not setted by ability at any age. The core textbook for the first three years is Encore Tricolore! Topics covered include: self-identification, where you live, pets, sports and hobbies, clothes, food and drink, shopping and a variety of other real-life situations.

What happens further up the school?

At GCSE we follow the AQA syllabus. On average each group has 18 pupils. The course book used is Encore Tricolore and we study topics such as Health, Leisure, Holidays, Home, Environment, Work and Education.

At A Level there are usually three groups in Lower Sixth and two groups in Upper Sixth. Each group consists, on average, of ten pupils. The groups are taught by two teachers each of whom is responsible for a particular area of the specification. Of the ten lessons each cycle, two are in the language laboratory. Upper Sixth pupils study two set texts and a range of language topics. Built into the courses are opportunities for thorough revision and consolidation of grammar and chances to visit productions of French plays and conferences.

Are there any trips?

All First Year pupils have the opportunity to travel to France at Easter and take part in a week of activities. We currently offer a language trip to pupils in Fourth Year and our Sixth Form students can undertake a cultural visit to Paris.

Is there a Language Assistant?

The Language Assistant works mainly with the Sixth Form but each Fifth Form set has the chance to work with him once a week.