When pupils join The Roundhill Academy in Year 7 they study French, and this is the language they will continue to study for the rest of their time at the school.
Our French curriculum enables pupils to develop an understanding of language in a variety of contexts, to explore different cultures and to communicate effectively in French. The learning journey place a strong emphasis on key skills and grammar to ensure that pupils become confident linguists who can independently manipulate language. Students therefore develop a set of transferable language learning skills which can help them to learn not only the language in question but also additional languages in the future.
These courses enable pupils to develop an understanding of language in a variety of contexts, to explore different cultures and to communicate effectively in the language that they study. The courses place a strong emphasis on key skills and grammar to ensure that pupils become confident linguists who can independently manipulate language. Students therefore develop a set of transferable language learning skills which can help them to learn not only the language in question but also additional languages in the future.
French
| Topic 1 Myself and languages | An introduction to language learning – why is this relevant to me? Key linguistic knowledge – vocabulary, phonics, grammar, the skills of speaking, writing, listening, reading, translation. Key cultural knowledge – introduction to ‘La Francophonie’. Students can: reflect on the importance of language learning; reflect on cultural similarities and differences; understand and give key information about themselves and others; understand and express opinions; recognise and apply key phonic sounds when speaking. |
| Topic 2 Key skills | An introduction to key language learning skills – how do I become a successful language learner? Key linguistic knowledge – vocabulary, phonics, grammar, the skills of speaking, writing, listening, reading, translation. Students can: describe key grammatical terms; recognise and apply key grammatical structures in a range of contexts; explain and apply reading and listening strategies. |
| Topic 3 School | Describing life at school. Key knowledge – vocabulary, phonics, grammar, the skills of speaking, writing, listening, reading, translation. Key cultural knowledge –similarities and differences between life in the UK and in other Francophone countries. Students can: recognise and apply knowledge of vocabulary and grammar to understand and give information about life at school; understand and express opinions; explain and apply writing strategies. |
| Topic 4 Culture (art and festivals/traditions) | Exploring cultural similarities and differences. Key linguistic knowledge – vocabulary, phonics, grammar, the skills of speaking, writing, listening, reading, translation. Key cultural knowledge – reflection on French speaking artists and festivals in ‘La Francophonie’. Students can: recognise cultural similarities and differences; recognise and apply knowledge of vocabulary and grammar to understand and give information about art, festivals and traditions; understand and express opinions. |
| GCSE overview | AQA GCSE specification. The GCSE course covers the following themes: Theme 1 Identity & Culture, Theme 2 Local, National, International and global areas of interest, Theme 3 Current and future study and employment. Key linguistic knowledge – vocabulary, phonics, grammar, the skills of speaking, writing, listening, reading, translation. Students can: develop an understanding of the French language in a variety of contexts; can communicate effectively in French, both in speech and in writing; explore the cultures of different countries and communities where French is spoken; reflect on how their linguistic knowledge, understanding and skills will help them to participate in a multilingual, global society and to prepare them for further study and practical use of the language. |
| Topic 1 Relationships | Theme 1 – Identity and Culture. Me, my family and friends – relationships with family and friends, marriage and partnership |
| Topic 2 Free time and technology | Theme 1 – Identity and Culture. Free time activities – music, cinema and TV, food and eating out, sport. Technology in everyday life – social media, mobile technology. |
| Topic 3 Festivals and traditions | Theme 1 – Identity and Culture. Customs and festivals in French speaking countries / communities. |
| Topic 4 Town and area | Theme 2 - Local, national, international and global areas of interest. Home, town, neighbourhood and region. |
| Topic 5 Travel and tourism | Theme 2 - Local, national, international and global areas of interest. Travel and tourism. |
| Topic 1 Current and future study and employment | Theme 3 - Current and future study and employment. My studies: Life at school and college; Education post-16; Jobs, career choices and ambitions. |
| Topic 2 Social issues | Theme 2 - Local, national, international and global areas of interest: Social issues – charity, voluntary work, healthy / unhealthy living. |
| Topic 3 Global issues | Theme 2 - Local, national, international and global areas of interest: Global issues - the environment, poverty and homelessness. |
| Topic 4 Revision | Exam revision and preparation |
Learning Journey
For more information about Modern Foreign Languages in the Curriculum contact Helen Doherty. Email hdoherty@roundhill.bepschools.org
