FrenchHead of Department:
Ms Christine Consul
"This is an examination designed for students learning French as a foreign language. The aim is to develop an ability to use the language effectively for purposes of practical communication. The course is based on the linked language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, and these are built on as students progress through their studies. The syllabus also aims to offer insights into the culture and civilization of countries where the language is spoken, thus encouraging positive attitudes towards language learning and towards speakers of foreign languages."
(University of Cambridge – International Examinations)
- Speaking more than one language is a skill which will increase your marketability.
- Learning languages contributes to mutual understanding, a sense of global citizenship and personal fulfilment.
- French is the most widely taught second language after English.
- Up to 50% of English words have at least some French component. By learning French you will undoubtedly expand your vocabulary in English.
- French is the only language other than English spoken on five continents; it is spoken in over 43 countries in the world and speaking French will enable you to speak to 129 million Francophones world wide.
- You language skills will open doors to different careers, such as: teacher, translator/interpreter, editor/proof-reader, travel/hospitality, international organizations, other international jobs.
What you will be studying
You will revisit vocabulary topics and grammatical structures you have already studied in previous years but you will also face new words and new challenging constructions and tenses.
The I.G.C.S.E. syllabus is based on the basic survival language you would need to communicate on an exchange visit or family holiday in a French speaking country. The topic areas to be studied include:
- Everyday activities: home life and school, food, health and fitness,
- Personal and social life: self, family and personal relationships, holidays and special occasions.
- The world around us: home town and local area, natural and made environment, people, places and customs.
- The world of work Continuing education: careers and employment, language and communication in the work place.
- The international world: tourism at home and abroad, life in other countries and communities, world events and issues.
The course is based on the linked language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. You will be practising these four skills every lesson through a variety of activities, such as:
- Listening skills: listening to your teacher, your classmates, a CD, a film, a song, a TV programme, etc.
- Speaking skills: speaking with a partner, a native speaker, singing, performing role plays, etc.
- Reading skills: reading authentic material such as menus, brochures, newspaper articles, emails, etc.
- Writing skills: filling in a form, answering questions, writing an email or a letter, etc.
How you will be assessed
Core Curriculum (Grades C-G available)
- Paper 1 (33%) - Listening sections 1, 2 & 3 (45 minutes)
- Paper 2 (33%) - Reading and Directed Writing (90 minutes)
- Paper 3 (33%) - Speaking (15 minutes)
Extended Curriculum (Core + Supplement) (Grade A*-G available)
- Paper 1 (25%) - Listening sections 1, 2, & 3 (45 minutes)
- Paper 2 (25%) - Reading and Directed Writing (90 minutes)
- Paper 3 (25%) - Speaking (15 minutes)
- Paper 4 (25%) - Continuous Writing (75 minutes)
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