French
We aim to instill a love of the French language, culture, thought and history.
French at City
At City we use a creative and communicative approach to teaching, and we aim not only to attain linguistic proficiency but also to instil a genuine love of the French language and Francophone culture by exposing students to literature, current affairs, music and art from year 7 onwards.
Why study French at City?
Languages contribute to the cultural and linguistic richness of our society, through personal fulfilment, mutual understanding, commercial success and international trade, and global citizenship. At City, we use a creative and communicative approach to teaching which is supported by an embedded use of technology in the classroom. We aim to cultivate a love of the French language and culture and we therefore go beyond the textbook using a variety of authentic resources from French film, literature, song, and current affairs to enhance students’ understanding.
Trips to France are an integral part of the learning and from year 10 to year 13 students benefit from personalised tutorials with language assistants. We aim to teach learners to communicate effectively and confidently in French with an emphasis on pronunciation and accuracy. They engage in discussions of both personal and global significance, requiring great commitment to detail, a wide range of lexis, and complex grammatical structures.
Our Staff
Curriculum
Year 7-9
We insist on a rigorous approach to spelling and grammar, tackling grammar points such as past, present and future tenses, negation, adjectives, comparatives and superlatives. Translation skills are also emphasised. We follow the Dynamo textbooks which provide solid linguistic foundations to the GCSE course, whilst enhancing cultural understanding.
Year 10-11
Students prepare for the AQA GCSE exam using the Studio textbook. We consolidate four skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Grammar and translation play a significant role at GCSE. Topics covered include healthy and unhealthy lifestyles, technology, environment, pressures at school, and the world of work.
Sixth form
Students develop their knowledge and understanding by studying both the language and the themes relating to the contemporary and historical society and culture of the French-speaking world. The themes are: changes in French society, politics and culture in a Francophone country, immigration and multicultural society, the Occupation, and the Resistance. Year 12 are currently studying the New Wave and Truffaut’s masterpiece “Les 400 coups” (1959). Year 13 study the novel “Une si longue lettre” by Mariama Bâ (1981), exploring women and polygamy in Senegalese society.
"I would recommend studying French at GCSE because the teaching is excellent. The oral examination can be what students feel most apprehensive about, but the department's language assistants are available both during and outside of lesson time which ensures that by the end of the course each student's French speaking ability and confidence have improved significantly."
Beyond the curriculum
TRIPS
Year 8 students usually join a successful five-day trip to Normandy in June, visiting places such as the Normandy D-Day landing beaches and Bayeux, home to the famous tapestry depicting the Norman conquest of England.
Year 10 students attend a language course combined with cultural activities at the Centre International d’Antibes and stay with host families.
Our year 12 students visit Lyon to enhance their linguistic expertise, attending language lessons and exploring this fantastic city full of history and culture.
In addition, students usually organise trips for themselves, whether it be for courses or work experience. Past pupils have studied in Nice, Montpellier and worked in Paris.
LONDON
We strongly encourage students to experience the French culture on offer in London by going to exhibitions, concerts, and talks. Year 12 and 13 students have recently attended a study day dedicated to Truffaut and the New Wave at the BFI.
COMPETITIONS
Students’ creativity and talent is able to shine in a wide range of national competitions, such as the Flash fiction and ISMLA Writing competitions, or the Institut Français organised Pop video competition. In addition, our in-house Galette des rois or Crêpes competitions are highly regarded. Judge for yourselves here: https://twitter.com/ClsgFrench
DRAMA
KS3 students have the opportunity to watch a French play directed by the drama company Onatti every year.
CLUBS
French Politics club
French Politics club – open to students from year 10 onwards – takes place every Tuesday, 2nd half of lunch in G33. We learn a lot about the French political system and interesting current affairs in France, while also comparing them with the English news and system. We have some really good, open discussions and learn a lot – it is definitely not a waste of a lunchtime. We do this mainly in English so people who aren’t confident in French (and any year groups) are also welcome. – Year 10 student
What I like the most about attending French politics club is that we aren’t learning about British politics in French, but learning about France’s political situation and culture around their politics. This really fascinates me because I have only ever been surrounded by my own country’s politics and have not had much time to investigate other countries. I find this very intriguing and fascinating especially with the French presidential election coming up! – Year 10 student
French Debating club
We run a weekly debating club for sixth formers and pupils participate in the Joutes Oratoires debating competition.
French debating club takes place every Friday, 1st half of lunch in B12. It is such a great opportunity to widen your knowledge on current affairs both in France and in the Francophone world. It has been really fascinating to hear differing opinions on a range of topics, all the while having the opportunity to interact with other year groups. The experience has been highly enjoyable and has also considerably improved our French speaking skills. We would recommend this to anyone interested in French and discussing unresolved issues that are relevant today. – French student
French Clinics
We also have a mentor system to help younger pupils who are learning French and require support. The French clinic runs twice weekly – on Monday and Wednesday lunchtimes – to support students who wish to get extra help.
DELF B2 COURSE
Finally, we are offering the DELF B2 course with the aim of students gaining the globally recognised qualification by the end of year 12. This is an official title certifying a degree of competence and mastery of the French language, granted by France’s Ministry of Education, which demonstrates the French language proficiency of foreign students.
Good luck to all our year 11 and year 13 students as they begin their GCSE and A level exams. We are incredibly proud of your hard work and dedication and we wish you all the best over the coming weeks.
Read moreOur latest tweet
16/05/2022
Last weekend, 75 year 10 students completed the silver practice expedition for their @DofE. They walked along part of the South Downs improving their navigational skills and the instructors were impressed by the keen focus, determination and sense of fun shown by all!
