French

No-one can deny the strong historical links between France and England and, if you look closely enough, the linguistic links between French and English are equally apparent, with around 30% of English words coming from French.

At Dr Challoner’s Grammar School, learning French provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate the school’s key values of aspiration, kindness and resilience, as these attributes lie at the very heart of learning a modern language. Proficiency in any language is a skill which opens professional and personal doors. It grants an invaluable insight into different cultures, engenders curiosity and offers a broader global perspective. This, in turn, enables problem-solving and improved communication skills, and leads to a greater understanding of one’s own culture. 

As freelance translator and polyglot Chris Hughes states: “Students who study languages don’t just learn how to communicate - they learn how to notice. They pick up on nuance. They become attuned to different ways of thinking, problem-solving, negotiating and building relationships. In today’s workplaces - whether in business, diplomacy, science, health or the arts - that kind of cultural awareness is a serious advantage.”

Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)

All students in KS3 study French. The curriculum has been created to support the overall aims of the Languages department, namely to encourage language learners to develop the skills to advance into the wider world and to continue to develop students so that they are confident with their use of language, and are well prepared for the rigour of Key Stage 4 and beyond. Emphasis is placed on each of the four key skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) with students also encouraged to regularly review their notes, as a ‘little and often’ approach is the best way to acquire mastery in a language.

Topics covered include:

Each topic at Key Stage 3 is supported by a bespoke Challoner’s work booklet, which students should bring to every lesson.

Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11 GCSE)

Students study the AQA (9-1) French Specification at GCSE.  Each of the four skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing are assessed. 

Students receive the support of a French Language Assistant for the oral component of the course with the oral exam itself being examined by the class teacher. Each skill is equally weighted at 25%.

Classroom atmosphere is supportive and students should be happy to experiment with language and have a go. Similarities between global citizens are stressed alongside linguistic and cultural differences.

Topics studied include:

GCSE French Specification

Key Stage 5 (Years 12-13 A Level)

Students are required to have gained at least a grade 6 in French GCSE to be eligible to take this course at A Level

Students follow the AQA French A Level Course. Students study technological and social change, looking at diversity and the benefits it brings. They will study highlights of French-speaking artistic culture, including francophone music and cinema, and learn about political engagement and who wields political power in the French-speaking world.

Students also explore the influence of the past on present-day French-speaking communities. Throughout their studies, they will learn the language in the context of French-speaking countries and the issues and influences which have shaped them. Students will study texts and film and have the opportunity to carry out independent research on an area of their choice.

Students sit three papers as follows:

• Paper 1: Listening, Reading and Translation - 50%
• Paper 2: Writing - 20%
• Paper 3: Speaking - 30%

Topics of study are as follows: 

A Level French Specification

Co-curricular activities

• Language Exchange to our partner school in Marseille (Lacordaire)
• Lunchtime languages club
• French Film Club
• Periodic trips to the Institut Français or the BFI