KS3 French
Course Introduction
French at the Holy Family Catholic School is the study of both the French language and culture of French-speaking countries. During the course, both the vocabulary and grammatical structures that feature in the French language will be studied. The cultural aspect of the course allows students to see themselves at global citizens. They will also be given the opportunity to travel to France during key stage 3 to experience the French culture and language first hand.
French is an academic subject, where the abilities to see patterns and apply them are particularly useful. Students will be required to reflect on French vocabulary and grammatical structures and be able to use them to be creative in their French-speaking and writing. Students will also develop their reading and listening skills, to enable them to identify key pieces of information in a variety of authentic texts. They will also be encouraged to compare and contrast their experiences of the English language and culture with that of French-speaking countries.
Course Content
Year 7
Autumn 1: Introducing yourself and others
Autumn 2: School life
Spring 1: Hobbies and free time
Spring 2: Where I live
Summer 1: Holiday plans
Summer 2: Creative use of French
Year 8
Autumn 1: TV, film and internet
Autumn 2: Paris
Spring 1: More about me
Spring 2: Meals and social events
Summer 1: Talents
Summer 2: French history and geography
Year 9
Autumn 1: Making arrangements
Autumn 2: Healthy living
Spring 1: Future career plans
Spring 2: Planning trips abroad
Summer 1: More about me
Summer 2: Vocabulary and grammar preparation for GCSE
Assessment
The students will be levelled at the end of each unit of work. This will be completed in line with the school policy. Feedback will be given to the students verbally and a record is made of this by the students, who will then reflect on their own strengths and areas for development for the next unit of work. At the end of each unit, the students will complete an assessment and this will be levelled and written feedback and targets for the students will be produced.
What it Leads to in KS4
The French department offers the GCSE French course at KS4. This course allows students to continue to develop the skills and vocabulary gained in key stage 3 and take them a step further, allowing students to become more fluent in French. The skills tested at GCSE level and reading, writing, listening and speaking in several types of tasks and topics that reflect and develop the themes covered in key stage 3.
