Year 8 Options
French is one of the three languages offered in The Judd School, with German and Latin.
Before you choose one or more languages for your options at the end of Year 8, here are some information that you might find interesting:
Teachers at GCSE:
Mme. Figureau (HoD)
M. Villeléger
Mr. Jackson
Number of hours:
5h / fortnight
French Language Assistant
Students will get to practice Speaking with a French language assistant in lessons.
The French AQA Exam is combined of 4 papers:
Paper 1: Listening paper
25%
45 minutes
50 marks
Paper 2: Speaking exam
25%
10–12 minutes (Higher tier) + 15 minutes' supervised preparation time
50 marks
Paper 3: Reading paper
25%
1h
50 marks
Paper 4: Writing paper
25%
1h15
50 marks
The French Exchange in Year 10:
Every year, 25 places are open for students that want to improve their French with this amazing cultural experience. One full week in Bordeaux with a French exchange partner and then they'll come for one full week in Tonbridge. It is the perfect way to revise your French without thinking that it is work. Best way to improve your listening and speaking skills, ready for GCSE the next year. You'd be going with two teachers, there are activities with the French exchanges and some only with the English students.
Need more info? Click on the button below:
What current Year 9 students are saying:
Why did they choose French last year?
They were good at French
They enjoyed the lessons in Year 8
They thought French was easier
It was the most useful
It is fun
"I chose French for GCSE because I see language as not just a way to communicate to others, but as a gateway to understand different culture and perspectives. I find French a really interesting and lovely language along with a unique culture."
"I am passionate about languages and being able to communicate with more people. I think French is really useful for when I go on holiday and/or if I want to work for a French company. Also, I do enjoy learning French, comparing the language and culture to other countries."
What is their advice for the current Year 8?
Individual choice - don't follow your friends, you need to like the subject.
Don't base it on the teacher - you don't know who you will have next year.
Interesting and engaging - choose the one that you prefer, you'll have to spend a lot of time studying it.
Get advice - don't hesitate to talk to older students from Year 9s and above (they'll be the best ones to give you an idea about what GCSE is like) + get information about the GCSE (ask teachers, visit the Exam board website...)
"I would advice the Year 8's to continue French because it is not only very useful, but also very fun and enjoyable. You are almost guaranteed to learn something in French that you enjoy on a daily/weekly basis: sport, music, food, art, culture etc."
"French is a very commonly spoken language and will become very useful in terms of jobs and just in general, it's a very fun subject."