VCE French

Learning another language fosters students' ability to think and reflect about the workings of language, and to develop mental flexibility and problem-solving strategies. It also increases opportunities and abilities to develop interpersonal skills and cultural awareness. By understanding the process of language learning, students can apply skills and knowledge to other contexts and languages. Learning a language engages analytical and reflective capabilities and enhances critical and creative thinking.

Students who show a keen interest in French language and culture should study this subject. Students who have strong skills in French and who have studied French in Year 10, may find this VCE subject interesting. Students should consider continuing with language study if they are interested in: 

• Developing their language skills

• Travelling overseas

• Working internationally or for an international company

• Going on exchange or University study overseas

• Getting to know people and cultures of another country

• Enhancing employment and career prospects

In this unit, students cover the following topics: family and friends, sport and health, school life and education systems. They discuss healthy eating habits and the dangers of smoking and drinking. In these topics, they learn skills in diary writing and delivering a speech. Grammar is a large component of this semester. Past infinitive, present participle and adverbs are explored as well as emphatic pronouns.

Areas of Study

1. Interpersonal communication 

2. Interpretive communication 

3. Presentational communication 

In this unit, students explore the following topics: travel, entertainment and culture, technology, and media. They discuss the tourist appeal of Australia and francophone countries. In these topics, students learn skills in article and email writing and delivering an oral presentation on a Francophone singer with the support of a Power Point. Grammar is a large component of this semester. Verb tenses like future, imperfect and conditional are learnt.

Areas of Study

1. Interpersonal communication 

2. Interpretive communication 

3. Presentational communication

Students investigate the way French speakers interpret and express ideas, negotiate and persuade in French. They interpret information, inform others, and reflect upon and develop persuasive arguments. In this unit, students cover the following topics: their future and post-school aspirations, roles and relationships in society, youth issues and subcultures. They discuss gender equality and bullying. In these topics, students learn skills in blog writing and performing a role-play to resolve a personal issue. Grammar is a large component of this semester. Subjunctive and past gerund are explored as well as demonstrative pronouns.

Areas of Study

1. Interpersonal communication 

2. Interpretive communication 

3. Presentational communication

Students build on their knowledge of French-speaking communities, considering cultural perspectives and language and explaining personal observations. They consolidate and extend vocabulary, grammar knowledge and language skills to investigate the topics through French. Topics include environment and sustainability, migration, and multiculturalism. Students reflect on simple action and steps that can be taken and talk about other ways of helping the environment. They explore the history of immigration and the impacts on our society. They discuss racism and the consequences of terrorism. In these topics, students learn skills in speech and evaluative article writing. Grammar is revised in this semester. Compound tenses are explored as well as passive voice.

Areas of Study

1. Interpersonal communication 

2. Interpretive communication 

3. Presentational communication