Learning French is not only about the grammar and vocabulary, it is about developing an understanding of the culture, society and lives of the French-speaking world. From Europe to Africa, and from Asia to North America, the French language has a huge importance in the world. Pupils will learn the transferable skills of communication and presentation, and will encounter language that will be of practical use in future. They will develop strategies and approaches for demonstrating proficiency in listening, reading, writing and speaking a foreign language, preparing them for life in a global context.
It is both a fun and tricky language to learn, but once you have it will be incredibly rewarding. The lessons are really engaging and the teachers are very supportive and contribute to this fun atmosphere. Maisie Y11
It is very useful for the future and you do really realise how many jobs it can be used for in the future and how beneficial it could be for you to learn it later on in life. Natasha Y11
You will see at-a-glance that the learning is sequenced in a topic-based way, each with its own Core Knowledge and Grammar planned through an ambitious intent. Phonics will be promoted throughout. The nature of the curriculum is that it is cyclical, and that grammar and vocabulary will thread through the topic blocks and be revisited at appropriate stages.
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Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
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Year 7 Intent + Ambition |
Je me présente – securing the basics
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Ma vie au college – life at school
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Mes loisirs – discussing hobbies
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Literacy, Culture + Diversity |
Le chat poem Crayons de couleur poem Timoleón le caméléon poem Gender |
Jacques Prévert Poem Schools in France Schools in Senegal Differences- physical appearances |
Sport in France Sporting Events Understanding “tu” vs “vous” Appreciating different sporting abilities |
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Year 8 Intent + Ambition |
Les choses que j’aime – expressing preferences
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Là où j’habite – talking about where I live
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Mes vacances- discussing holidays
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Literacy, Culture + Diversity |
Music of French origin French Film Study – writing a film review Cannes Film Festival TV Clothes, fashion + shopping in France |
Appreciating differences in where people live (flats/houses/shared bedrooms) |
Understanding France as a holiday destination Travelling abroad (transport/tickets) Francophone countries Authentic texts- Le Monde extract/holidays parallel reader |
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Year 9 Intent + Ambition |
Moi et ma famille – talking about my family
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Mon avenir – discussing my future plans
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La communauté et la culture – discussing the world around me
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GCSE French in Years 10 & 11
Course Leader: Mrs Frid
Contact Email: hfrid@tgschool.net
Examination Board: Edexcel
Assessment: 100% exam (25% listening, 25% speaking, 25% reading and 25% writing)
Why should I study this subject at Key Stage 4?
One language sets you on a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way! Language skills can be a significant competitive advantage that sets you apart from your monolingual peers - English is no longer enough! They are among the top 8 skills required of all occupations. Language is the most direct connection to other cultures and being able to communicate exposes us to and fosters an appreciation for the traditions, religions, arts and history of the people associated with that language. And what’s more, travelling as a speaker of the local language can revolutionise a trip abroad! Opting for GCSE French means you will embark on a journey which you will be forever grateful for. It will allow you to open your eyes and mind to the world around you, it will help you to explore the language and culture of French speaking countries, it will allow you to set yourself apart from your monolingual peers in the search for employment. With knowledge of French you can travel to places like France, Canada, Monaco, Switzerland, the Seychelles, the list is endless, and you won’t feel like a stranger.
What does the course involve?
GCSE French helps you explore a wide range of topics, from celebrations and festivals, through getting by as a tourist in France to international campaigns and events. You will learn about French culture through a range of interesting topics which will add to your understanding of the language and other Francophone countries.
Differences from Year 9
During Year 9, students will have prepared for the GCSE course by completing extended writing tasks and conversation topics as well as practising role-plays and translations.
During Years 10 and 11, students will continue to prepare extended writing pieces on various topics, such as local area, holidays, schools around the world, work experience and voluntary work. They will also prepare conversation topics.
Students will also rehearse role-plays, prepare spoken and written picture descriptions and they will be given regular opportunities to develop their skills in translation to French and English.
Students will be regularly tested on GCSE vocabulary learning and will use their revision guides at home for independent work.
Skills developed
The ability to listen to, understand and speak French in a range of contexts and for a variety of purposes; develop language learning and communication skills which can be applied broadly; develop an interest in and a knowledge of the culture of countries and communities where French is spoken. You will also practise translation skills, which will prepare you for a smooth transition into AS and A Level.
You will develop all these skills while covering the following topics:
Identity and culture - Who am I?, Daily life, Cultural life.
Local area, holiday and travel - Holidays, Travel and tourist transactions, Town, region and country.
School - What school is like, School activities.
Future aspirations, study and work - Using languages beyond the classroom, Ambitions, Work.
International and global dimension - Bringing the world together, Environmental issues.
What can I do after I’ve completed the course?
People with language skills and knowledge usually have an advantage over people without them. They stand out as talented and successful people, with broad and exciting horizons. Taking GCSE French means you will:
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Add an extra dimension to your personal skills profile which will impress anyone who reads your CV.
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Be in a stronger position to get a job in companies with international links or improve employability if you would like to work abroad. Be able to work or study in a French-speaking country in later life.
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Be able to study AS and A level French courses to further your knowledge of the language and culture. Find it easier to learn other languages later if you want to.
Studying French at Sixth Form
Students can continue studying French as an A Level here at Thomas Gainsborough School.
Department Staff
| Mr A Blagona (ABL) | Assistant Headteacher, Director of Teaching School | Contact |
| Miss S Derry (SDE) | Teacher of Languages | Contact |
| Mrs L Hurtado-Read (LHU) | Head of Languages | Contact |
| Mr L Hurtado-Read (LRE) | Teacher of Languages & IT | Contact |
| Mrs N Sturgess (NSt) | Teacher of MFL | Contact |
| Mrs K Young (KYO) | Teacher of Languages | Contact |
