Exam Board: AQA

Exam: Students in Key Stage 4 will complete a terminal exam in Speaking worth 25% of final grade, Listening (25%) and Reading (25%) at Higher or a Foundation Level. Writing skills will be assessed through continuous coursework over the two years, the final 25%.

Course Information
In Years 10 and 11, students extend their base of knowledge and their language skills through continued study of French.

The course aims to develop the students’ ability to communicate practically and effectively in the foreign language. Equal emphasis is placed on each of the four language learning skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. All four are regularly practiced and assessed.

Work is topic based and lessons are taught mainly in the foreign language with the aid of textbooks, videos, audiocassettes and supplementary authentic materials. Topics covered over the two-year course include:

• Module 1 - My World – including self, family, friends.
• Module 2 - Holiday and Travel – including arranging a holiday abroad.
• Module 3 - Work and Lifestyle including Work Experience and shopping and leisure
• Module 4 - Young Person in Society including the environment and social issues.

Students are also offered insights into the life and culture of French speaking countries through contact with Foreign Language Assistants and visits to France.

In order to aid their progress and support their own learning, all students are encouraged to purchase their own French dictionary, although they will not have access to these during the examination.

Coursework
Requirements The ‘Writing’ skill is assessed entirely through coursework which counts for 25% of the final grade. Students will need to complete a minimum of 5 pieces of written coursework (approximately 150 words in French) which cover different modules. We usually ask students to complete more than 3 pieces so that they can choose the best 3 to submit for the exam. One piece has to be completed under ‘controlled conditions’ (exam conditions) however, all the other pieces can be completed in class or at home using vocabulary sheets, dictionaries and text books for support. We usually start one piece in January of Year 10 and complete the remaining pieces over the course of the following 12 months. All pieces need to be completed by February of Year 11.

Contact member of staff: Ms V Morisot