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Why do this course?
Why do this course?
Choosing S3 French is a powerful way to build the transferable skills that employers and universities value most. Over two years, you’ve already built a strong foundation in the language —this course lets you take that further by strengthening your skills in communication, problem-solving, creative thinking and analysis. You’ll develop confidence in listening, talking, reading and writing, while learning to use language flexibly and effectively across different contexts.
France is a global leader in fields such as science, fashion, cuisine, diplomacy, environmental research and the creative industries, making French a valuable language for future study, travel and employment. As one of the most widely spoken languages in the world—and an official language of many international organisations—French opens doors far beyond Europe.
Our S3 French course also deepens cultural awareness, helping you understand other perspectives and strengthening your tolerance, adaptability and sense of global citizenship. Through exploring real-world topics, you’ll become a more reflective, curious learner who can connect language to the wider world.
We seek to enhance our pupils literacy skills and the confidence gained from solving problems and developing understanding in a foreign language adds confidence in other areas of learning. Many concepts introduced in a modern language are often completely new and have no equivalent in English, which encourages the brain to create new learning capacity and new thinking skills.
Most importantly, the course prepares you thoroughly for National 5 French, giving you the skills, strategies and independence needed to succeed in the Senior Phase.
If you want a subject that opens doors, develops your thinking and connects you to the wider world, choose French!
What are the long term benefits?
What are the long term benefits?
Why Languages.mp4What will you learn?
What will you learn?
The faculty are in the process of reviewing curriculum plans for our S3 courses to follow on from the changes implemented in the past two sessions to our S1-2 curriculum. The aim of this review is to ensure our S3 courses are as engaging, relevant and enjoyable for our learners.
Once details are confirmed this page will be updated with specific contexts for learning. These are likely to include Holidays, Transactional Language and Culture amongst other topics.
The structure and grammar of the foreign language will be covered in detail and pupils will have lots of opportunities to develop their ability to understand and produce language containing increasing levels of detail & complexity whilst developing their ability to use different tenses.
Much of the topics in S3 will involve real-life scenarios in that you will be learning useful vocabulary to use when in a French-speaking country either on holiday or for work in the future.
Pupils will develop the ability to think like a linguist by making links to other languages and their prior learning and applying their knowledge of structure and pattern to manipulate and create their own texts.
What will you experience?
What will you experience?
Pupils will be encouraged to work individually, in pairs and in groups at various points to practice all aspects of the language in different contexts.
Teachers frequently use games and interactive resources to encourage competitive spirit and to provide enjoyable experiences that help learners develop confidence using key vocabulary and structures.
Digital Technology is also used regularly throughout the course, both to access foreign language websites and to help pupils present their work.
Most lessons are delivered through Microsoft Teams and ClassNotebook meaning that pupils have access to their learning wherever they are. This allows pupils to revisit work they have done in class at home to support revision and consolidation of their learning.
With teacher guidance, pupils will be involved in setting targets and evaluating their progress. They will learn how to analyse their own work and that of others, correct errors and improve their confidence in the language.
Ultimately, pupils will learn to become independent learners whilst developing their ability to think like a linguist and communicate effectively in French in a comfortable, supportive and enjoyable environment.
Key Facts
Key Facts
Everything you need to know before selecting this course.
Equipment
Equipment
It would be beneficial for pupils studying a language in S3 to purchase their own bi-lingual dictionary for use at home when practising reading.
It would also be helpful for pupils to find an old set of plug-in earphones (3mm jack) for use when doing individual listening tasks in class.
These are not essential and advice can be given on this by their class teacher.
Homework
Homework
Homework will be set by the class teacher on a regular basis, usually with a week to prepare. This will generally involve practising and learning new vocabulary or preparing for speaking tests or oral presentations.
Written work tends to be done in class time, however, typing up final versions of essays or any good pieces of work is often set as homework.
Assessment
Assessment
This is carried out in a number of ways, from more formal class tests and assessments to paired or peer assessment in talking, listening, reading and writing.
Pupil progress is monitored and reported on throughout the school year and pupils are given opportunities to assess and discuss their own performance with staff and their peers to evaluate their performance whilst giving their voice to support course planning and teaching.
Progression and Employment
Progression and Employment
Everything you need to know about future pathways from this course
Progression
Progression
S4 – National 4 or 5 French
S5 – National 5 or Higher
S6 – National 5 or Higher
Note: Once you have a strong pass (grade A-B) in any language we'll allow you to do a different language at the same level or lower.
e.g.
S4 - N5 French
S5/6 - Higher French and N5 German.
Employment
Employment
In the global economy, one of the most valuable traits an employee can possess is the ability to speak, or at least get by, in different languages. Knowing an additional language illustrates to an employer the value you bring as an employee and a person. It shows that you are adaptable, open-minded and communicative.
These videos explain how languages can be useful in a wide variety of job sectors, amongst many more:
Languages in creative industries.
Languages in health and wellbeing.
Languages in manufacture and engineering.
Learner Stories
Learner Stories
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