Work will continue at sixth form level on the four key skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. A more in-depth study of grammatical structures will be undertaken, leading to a greater ability to manipulate the language for the purpose of self-expression. Classes are conducted mainly in the French and students are encouraged to contribute as much as possible to discussions. A variety of contemporary topic areas make up the basis of the course.
Cultural awareness is promoted by the use of authentic sources. Learners engage with the target cultures through a variety of media, producing written and spoken work springing from meaningful and engaging contextual knowledge. The extensive use of a variety of authentic materials acquaints learners with a range of syntax, lexis, style and expression in the target language and helps them to develop an authentic feel for the language.
Critical and independent thinking are developed through the study of literary and non-literary texts. Learners articulate their understanding and justify opinions both in the foreign language and in English, gaining essential critical tools and writing skills required for further study, as well as for the workplace. Grammatical competence and the ability to manipulate language accurately and appropriately are a prerequisite for study in higher education and are developed and rewarded through the mode of assessment.
Applications are welcome from students who have shown an aptitude for understanding language structures at GCSE level and who want to build on these foundations to study the language in greater depth. Emphasis will be placed on building up the fluency of the spoken language, so a willingness to ‘have a go’ is a must.
Family, society, culture
Life online, internet safety, emerging technologies
Francophone culture, history, art, literature
Contemporary music and story-telling
by Mathieu Kassovitz
24 hours in the lives of three young men in the French suburbs the day after a violent riot.
by Delphine de Vigan
A coming-of-age novel about a highly intelligent 13-year-old who is confronted with the issue of homelessness and related social problems when she befriends a young homeless woman.