DP French Language Ab Initio (SL) at GESS
At GESS, French Language Ab Initio (SL) offers students the opportunity to develop their language skills in an immersive and communicative environment. This course is designed for students with little or no prior experience in French, aiming to help them acquire the foundational skills necessary for effective communication in the language. Through the study of practical themes, students learn to use French in everyday contexts, while also developing intercultural understanding and an appreciation of the francophone world.
💠 Why Study French Ab Initio (SL) at GESS?
👉 Beginner-Friendly Approach – The course is tailored for beginners, providing students with the necessary tools to communicate confidently in French through a focus on the four key language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
👉 Cultural Exploration – Students engage with the rich cultures of the French-speaking world, exploring customs, traditions, and social issues, and enhancing their understanding of global perspectives.
👉 Practical Language Use – The course emphasizes real-world communication, allowing students to express themselves on familiar topics such as daily routines, leisure activities, and social relationships.
👉 Global Perspective – French Language Ab Initio prepares students for international engagement, providing them with the skills to navigate diverse cultural contexts and engage with global issues.
💠 Core Units
The course is structured around five prescribed themes, providing relevant contexts for language learning:
Identities – Exploring personal attributes, relationships, and cultural identity.
Experiences – Understanding daily life, travel, holidays, and cultural celebrations.
Human Ingenuity – Exploring technology, media, and creativity in society.
Social Organization – Examining the role of community, education, and work in society.
Sharing the Planet – Discussing environmental challenges, global issues, and sustainability.
💠 Assessment
🔸 Internal Assessment (IA) – The individual oral assessment, where students engage in a conversation with the teacher based on a visual stimulus and discuss at least one of the prescribed themes.
🔸 Examinations
Paper 1 (Writing) – Students demonstrate their productive skills through two written tasks, choosing from a variety of text types.
Paper 2 (Listening and Reading) – Students complete comprehension exercises based on authentic French texts, including audio and written passages related to the prescribed themes.
At GESS, French Language Ab Initio (SL) supports students in their development as confident, creative, and critical thinkers, equipped with the skills to use French in both personal and global contexts.