FRENCH

Specification: AQA French (8658)

Why study French?     

Certainly not everyone speaks English. According to the CIA World Fact Book, only 5.6% of the world's total population speaks English as a primary language. That number doubles when people who speak English as a second or third language are counted. By conservative estimates, that means that well over four-fifths of the world's population does not speak English.

French is a widely spoken language, useful throughout the modern world – in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, parts of Canada, Africa and several other areas – including La Réunion, Mauritius and the Antilles.  It is one of the four major languages of the European Union and France itself is one of the most important trading partners of the UK, enjoying huge popularity as the favourite holiday destination for UK tourists. An ability to use this language gives you access to different cultures and will be especially useful if you travel, to or have contact with, France or any French-speaking country. The current economic climate means that competence in a foreign language is a significant advantage when you apply to study at Sixth Form and University and will ensure that you stand out from the crowd.

It is true that not all employers pay more to employees who have a language qualification; but many do. Even more importantly, you are more likely to get a good job if you have another language. School leavers in Europe often have their own language, English and one other language, as well as other qualifications like business studies. Whatever your career goals, knowing a language certainly won't hurt your employability. Chances are that knowing languages will open up employment opportunities that you would not have had otherwise.

What do I need to study French?

•       discipline (learning language is a steady process and requires frequent and regular revision)

•       ability to work independently, as well as in a group 

•       willingness to always give new language a go

•       curiosity to discover new language 

•       strong drive to communicate

•       enjoyment of the subject and appreciation for different cultures

•       motivation (learning a foreign language is a very rewarding challenge) 

What transferable skills will I develop when studying French? 

•       problem-solving 

•       pattern-spotting

•       basic etymology

•       scanning 

•       skimming

•       attention to detail

•       improvising

•       directing a conversation

•       interviewing

•       describing

•       explaining

•       giving points of view and justifying

•       confidence in presenting and communicating  

What will I get out of this course?

•      A range of valuable skills and a variety of activities with topics that include media, entertainment and youth culture, education, training and                    employment and social activities, fitness and health

•      Better understanding of the English language

•      A modern, forward thinking approach to learning (through film, music and the arts) which will compliment more traditional methods of teaching.            Thorough, student-centered preparation for all assessments with resources available on the school website for additional support and guidance

•      Opportunities to study not only the French language but different cultures through contact with French-speaking students and/or celebrities

•      Opportunities to go on exciting trips abroad and take part in enrichment events. 

•      Potential for linking work to ICT - Internet, emails, using multi-media facilities and other practical ICT applications will be actively encouraged

What can I do with French?

•      This course is a useful addition to any student’s portfolio as it combines well with any number of subjects. A language not only gives candidates the            edge when they apply for higher education places but also makes them much more competitive in the future employment market and ensures that            earnings are on average between 8% and 20% higher

•      57% of science, manufacturing and engineering firms use languages on a regular basis

•      Banking and insurance sectors value competence in a language very highly

•      72% of UK firms employ people with language skills as these are viewed as an essential accompaniment to business

•      The construction sector is becoming increasingly multinational – a language is a definite asset

•       In advertising, journalism, film, fashion or the computer games industry, language skills are vital

 What about examinations?

You will take all final examinations at the end of Year 11 in all four skills: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. All skills will assess your knowledge of grammar and vocabulary covered during your three-year course. 

The Listening and Reading paper will assess understanding and responding to different types of spoken and written language. Your answers will either be multiple-choice or open-ended. You will be expected to give answers in both English and French.

The Speaking paper aims to assess communicating and interacting effectively in speech for a variety of different purposes, and it will include a role play (2 minutes), a photo-card (3 minutes) and a general conversation with your teacher (7 minutes). 

The Writing paper will assess communicating in writing for different purposes, and it will include a structured written task (90 words), open-ended writing task (approx. 150 words) and translation from English to French (minimum 50 words). 

You will receive a final grade between 1 and 9. 

The weighting in the different elements is as follows:

Paper 1 – Listening         (25% of the marks)

Paper 2 – Speaking         (25% of the marks)

Paper 3 – Reading           (25% of the marks)

Paper 4 – Writing           (25% of the marks)