French Continuers

Year 11 (Preliminary Course)

Theme: The Individual

Topics include:

• Personal World

• Daily Life

• Leisure and Interests

Theme: French-speaking Communities

Topics include:

• Family and Community

• Education and School Life

• Traditions, Customs and Celebrations

Year 12 (HSC Course)

Theme: The Individual

• Personal Identity

• Relationships and Future Aspirations

Theme: French-speaking Communities

• Contemporary Lifestyles

• Young People in French-speaking Communities

Theme: The Changing World

• The World of Work

• Current Issues and Global Citizenship

Course Description

The aim of the French Continuers Stage 6 Course is to enable students to develop:

• skills in effective communication in French

• knowledge and understanding of language and culture

• the ability to interact across cultures

• skills in analysing and responding to a variety of texts

• an appreciation of the French-speaking world and its diverse communities

The Preliminary Course (Year 11)

The Preliminary Course focuses on the development of students' communication skills in French through the prescribed themes and topics. Students build their confidence in listening, speaking, reading and writing while developing their understanding of the relationship between language and culture. They engage with a range of authentic and adapted texts and begin to communicate with increasing accuracy and sophistication.

The HSC Course (Year 12)

In the HSC Course, students extend and refine their communication skills in French through the study of the prescribed themes and topics. They engage with increasingly complex texts, express and justify opinions, analyse information, and communicate effectively for a variety of purposes and audiences. Students also deepen their understanding of contemporary issues and the cultures of French-speaking communities around the world.

The French Continuers Stage 6 course (2 UNIT) is a two-year course designed for students who wish to continue and extend their study of French at senior secondary level. It is intended for students who have studied French throughout Years 9 and 10 and have developed a solid foundation in the language. The course enables students to further develop their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills while deepening their understanding of the cultures and communities of the French-speaking world.

Materials:

Tapis Volant Senior Textbook

French/English paper dictionary

Education Perfect

Q: Who can choose French Continuers?

French Continuers is designed for students who have studied French throughout Years 9 and 10. Typically, students will have accumulated approximately 400-500 hours of French study by the completion of Year 12, although some students with slightly less experience may also be successful in the course.

Q: Can I study French Continuers if I did not choose French Elective in Years 9 and 10?

No. Students who have not studied French throughout Years 9 and 10 should generally choose French Beginners instead. French Continuers assumes prior knowledge of French vocabulary, grammar and communication skills developed during Stage 5.

Q: Do I need to be fluent in French?

Not at all! French Continuers is designed for learners, not native speakers. The course helps students continue developing their skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing while building confidence and fluency over time.

Q: What topics will I study?

Students study a range of topics through three prescribed themes:

• The Individual

• French-speaking Communities

• The Changing World

These themes allow students to explore contemporary issues, personal experiences and aspects of French-speaking cultures while developing their communication skills.

Q: What skills will I develop?

You will develop your ability to:

• Understand spoken French

• Read and respond to written texts

• Participate in conversations and discussions

• Express opinions and justify ideas

• Write for different purposes and audiences

• Develop intercultural understanding and global awareness

These skills are valuable for travel, university studies and future careers.

Q: Is French Continuers a difficult subject?

Like any language course, success comes from regular practice rather than last-minute cramming. Students who consistently engage with vocabulary, grammar and communication activities often find the course highly rewarding and enjoyable.

Q: What is the HSC examination like?

The HSC French Continuers examination consists of:

• An Oral Examination (20 marks)

• A Written Examination (80 marks)

The written examination assesses listening, reading and writing skills.

Q: Why should I continue studying French?

French is spoken across Europe, Africa, North America, the Pacific and the Caribbean, making it one of the world's most widely spoken languages. Learning French develops communication, problem-solving and intercultural skills that are highly valued by universities and employers. It can also enhance travel experiences and open doors to international opportunities.

Q: What careers can French help with?

French can be an advantage in fields such as:

• International business

• Tourism and hospitality

• Aviation

• Diplomacy and international relations

• Teaching and education

• Translation and interpreting

• Law

• Journalism and media

• International development

• Defence and intelligence services

Many employers value the transferable skills gained through language study, including communication, adaptability and cultural awareness.