FRENCH
WHY STUDY LANGUAGES?
Speaking a foreign language improves the functionality of your brain by challenging it to recognise, negotiate meaning, and communicate in different language systems. This skill boosts your ability to negotiate meaning in other problem-solving tasks as well. Foreign language study enhances listening skills and memory. Analytical skills improve when students study a foreign language. Business skills plus foreign language skills make an employee more valuable in the marketplace. Dealing with another culture enables people to gain a more profound understanding of their own culture. Foreign languages provide a competitive edge in career choices: one is able to communicate in a second language. This is a major asset to employers. If you have one language, it is easier to acquire a second and you therefore be more easily trained while working . The study of a foreign language improves the knowledge of one’s own language: English vocabulary skills increase. The study of foreign languages teaches and encourages respect for other peoples: it fosters an understanding of the interrelation of language and human nature.
National 5 requires more in depth study of the 4 contexts from National 4 and some extra topics . It has an external exam at the end of the academic year.
The 4 contexts studied are
Society Family/where you live/the environment/technology/media/health
Learning Your school/ subjects/ teachers/ future plans
Employability Your job plans/ work experience/ part-time job
Culture Traditions/ celebrations / events/ holidays
Exams
Reading /30
Writing ( Job application) /20
Listening /20
Listening and Writing are scaled to a mark out of 30 so that each component is worth 25%.
The Talk assessment which is worth 30 marks is completed in March . This is a presentation followed by a naturally occurring conversation.
Entry Requirements:
National 5
Recommendation from class teacher based on proven ability and aptitude for and/or Pass at National 4.
Progression:
Higher French depending on National 5 grade.
How can I consolidate my learning?
Go over the work covered in class on a daily basis by covering up vocbulary, recording it on your phone and using post its/cue cards /mind maps with vocabulary that you are finding difficult to remember. Refer to past paper questions that we have completed in class and practise completing them under timed conditions. Use the past papers provided on line to practise at home. Do the homework on time and review it. If you do the regular homework and learn vocabulary at home by heart you will not need to revise as much at exam time hereby freeing up time for other subjects.
Where to access learner materials?
BBC Bitesize is a great resource for consolidating all skills from each topic
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/levels/z6gw2hv
Materials posted on Google Classroom
Workbook materials in class
Bright Red N5 on line
https://www.brightredbooks.net/subjects/n5french/c03_01
SQA Past Papers
https://www.sqa.org.uk/pastpapers/findpastpaper.htm?
Hints and Tips for the subject area
Ask the teacher if you do not understand something.
Do practice papers and submit them to your teacher.
Learn vocabulary every week.
Times of Help sessions for Learners
Sessions are on offer at the following times:
- Thursday 3pm -4pm or according to availability.
- Use Google Classroom to contact us if you are not in school.