French

 

Subject Leader: Mrs Amy Coates

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What are we studying?

We follow the course “Expo” which consists of a pupil book and audio- CDs.  Students develop skills in understanding written and spoken French and in actively using the language to speak and write.  They develop language learning techniques, which will aid them in learning across the curriculum and with future languages. Students study five or six different topic areas and each topic covers a wide range of vocabulary and several elements of grammar.

Students in set 5 are not expected to continue with French at GCSE level, (but are welcome to if they would like.) Therefore, in order to receive recognised accreditation for their knowledge of French, they undertake the AQA Foundation Certificate of Secondary Education. FCSE students will study six different topics. They must produce a portfolio of their work and complete assessments in listening, speaking, reading and writing skills-their best three assessments for each skill are submitted to the exam board at the end of the year.

How are we assessed?

Students have vocabulary and spelling tests every week, as far as is possible. They complete at least two written homework tasks per topic, which are graded, in terms of expected progress towards target, as either +, = or -. They complete one speaking or writing assessment and one reading or listening assessment at the end of each topic, this is usually five times a year.  These assessments are completed in class in test conditions. For each assessment students will be given a level and this will be compared to their target level to measure progress and performance. Students following the AQA FCSE course will complete an assessment for each of the four skills, (listening, speaking, reading and writing) at the end of each term/topic.

How are we grouped?

Students are first group by English and divided between the two sides of the Year, left and right. Using both Key Stage 2 data and assessment results from Years 7 and 8, they are then set into three French groups on the left side, sets 1, 2 and 3, and two on the right, sets 4 and 5. Students in set 6 for English do not study a foreign language and receive additional literacy support. If it becomes clear that a student is in the wrong set for their ability during the year, this may be adjusted.  At the end of the year students may move a set depending on assessment outcomes.

What homework are we expected to do?

Students need to learn vocabulary and spellings on a weekly basis. If spelling/vocabulary homework is not set they can choose ten words or an item of grammar that they found challenging to work on. They are also set homework activities consisting of reading or writing tasks, which must be completed in their dark green Assessment For Learning books. Students do not normally receive more than one homework task per week, in addition to vocabulary learning. At the end of each topic, students need to learn and revise thoroughly for the end of topic assessments.

What can parents do to help?

Review the Assessment For Learning book regularly and fill in the comment box on each end of topic assessment. Discuss your child’s progress with him/her. Ensure that students learn vocabulary at home every week. If spelling/vocabulary homework is not set they can choose ten words or an item of grammar that they found challenging to work on. Provide an “easy learning” bi-lingual dictionary and encourage your child to use it when completing written homework. Direct students to vocabulary building websites, (a list can be found in the student diaries.) Provide students with as much visual and audio stimulus as possible, for example, French magazines, French radio/TV and, if possible, a trip to France.