Members of the Department:
Miss A Bradley (HOD)
Mrs R Smyth
Mrs C Rohrs

Mme M Gibernon

Mrs Boyle

AIMS

In accordance with the ethos of the school, the French department nurtures the individual potential of each student promoting her academic, personal, and social fulfilment. French in Our Lady s Grammar School is delivered by dedicated, experienced teachers who inspire their students to work and attain high levels of achievement in an atmosphere of fun and hard work. We encourage students to:

• Develop an enthusiasm for language learning
• Enjoy a positive learning environment through good teacher-pupil relationships
• Develop the confidence to communicate effectively in French in practical situations
• Develop the ability to work independently and with others
• Develop an awareness and understanding of French culture and French-speaking countries
• Recognize the value of language learning as they take their place in a multilingual, global society
• Develop their digital literacy as well as a wide array of transferable skills which are highly desirable in an increasingly globalised world.

KEY STAGE 3

Through a range of topics pupils are engaged in active learning and e-learning nurturing the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing as well as an awareness of essential grammar and structures.

Year 8
Topics include: Personal details/ Family/ School/ Pastimes/ Numbers/ Time/ Weather/ Days of the Week/ Months and Seasons.

Project work on France, through the creation of their own website, also promotes an appreciation of French life and culture.

Year 9
Topics include: Food & drink/ Clothes/ Health/Television/ Cinema/ Daily routine/ Helping at home

Year 10
Topics include: Travel/ Paris/ Personality/The World of Work/ Environmental Issues/ Music/ School
An emphasis on Career Opportunities also enables pupils to appreciate how the study of French can enhance employability.

KEY STAGE 4

Years 11+12
The transition to GCSE promotes continuity and progression building on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed at Key Stage 3.

Students build on their competency through the study of 3 Contexts for Learning:

1: Identity, Lifestyle and Culture

2: Local, National, International and Global Areas of Interest

3: School Life, studies and the World of Work

Topics previously covered are extended enabling students to confidently investigate, understand, describe, discuss and give opinions. The focus is on sound manipulation of language, clarity of communication and creativity in a happy and hard-working environment. Pupils are also supported by the French language assistant, who facilitates additional classes to support learners in preparation for their speaking examinations.

KEY STAGE 5

Years 13+14
A Level attracts students with a keen interest in French, who have a curiosity about how others think and live, and who want to be part of the global workforce in the twenty-first century. The study of French provides opportunities to develop confidence, independence, communication and presentation techniques, IT competence, as well as skills in research, evaluation and analysis all of which are valued highly by universities and employers.

At A level students have the opportunity to explore and expand their knowledge and understanding of themes relating to societal, political, and cultural issues through the target language and with the support of native speakers.

AS: Relationships
Culture and Lifestyle

A2: Young People in Society
Our Place in a Changing World

The study of these areas of interest facilitates the further development of language skills enabling progression towards a high level of proficiency in French.

Students are also encouraged to consider their study of French in a broader context as they move towards further study and employment.

Extra-Curricular activities

Pupils are reminded that language learning goes far beyond the four walls of the classroom and have the opportunity to get involved in a range of extracurriculars to further enhance their experience of learning French. These include: Annual performances of French plays by Onatti theatre company, our celebrations for European Day of Languages, NICILT Francofest competition, Santander Essay Writing Competition, French Film Club and French exchange trips to Paris, all afford students enjoyable and memorable opportunities to engage with and experience French beyond the classroom.

Careers

Strong links with past pupils who have continued their study of French and worked in many varied fields provides invaluable inspiration for our students at Key Stage 3, GCSE, and A Level. Strong links continue to be fostered with third-level institutions and NICILT.