Welcome to French
The department believes that every child matters and is committed to high standards and creative teaching and good relationships. There is an effective and interactive use of language, backed up by solid grounding in grammar and structure and thorough preparation for external exams.
KS3: From 2010 the department has phased in a new Scheme of Work which has been piloted and recommended by Montgomery, the local languages college. This new scheme of work is designed to motivate all learners through an engaging style of teaching, independent and creative learning with strong emphasis on the PLTS, ICT, Media, cross-curricular themes, accelerated progression through levels, the new NC demands, VAK learning, and SEN. This will be rolled out in the coming years until 2013 when the entire scheme of work will be in place.
KS4: The new EDXCEL GCSE course is now fully operational throughout the key stage. This is fully resourced with each pupil having access to text books, revision books, homework books, vocab and grammar booklets, and the teachers have access to a full range of ICT resources to assist with the delivery of classes. At KS4 the teaching groups are small which enables pupils to gain the individual attention which helps them to fulfil their potential. Additional support is always available after school to those pupils who require it or wish to extend their learning.
Summary of results: This is a demanding subject in which it is difficult to obtain the highest grades. Nevertheless, the department is pleased that almost half of its cohort in 2010 managed to gain the coveted A-C grades and early indications are that there is room for further progress in the excellent groups currently in our care.
Extra-Curricular activities: There is a yearly trip to France in year 8. Many of our pupils have taken part in the Language Olympics Competition. Year 11 enjoyed a ‘French café’ in which they practiced their oral work. The year 10 have organised and led a ‘Moroccan Fashion Show’ (See picture) . A small groups of year 8 pupils have prepared lessons in their own time and delivered them as part of our ‘Pupil Voice’. They have also observed Madame Alchane teach and filled in a simplified version of the observation sheet. A team of year 7 pupils gave up their time to assist the department in Open Night.
Plans in the pipe line include a visit to Paris in the spring, year 10 liaising with feeder primary schools in order to teach some French. We are planning to invite a French theatre company to come to our school. We are also interested in taking a group of pupils to participate in a French day at Standish College.