All pupils will begin two modern foreign languages in Year 7 and continue them through Year 8. French is one of the available choices. From Year 9 pupils may opt to take French as their language option at GCSE level. Pupils are encouraged, and able, to take two modern foreign languages at GCSE level.
French in Years 7 to 8
Pupils will learn the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing in another language. They will develop communication skills and an understanding of French culture. Learning is made relevant by working with themes such as me and my family, school and work, home and daily routine, hobbies, holidays, my town and more. By structuring our French language course in this way, pupils can relate to the topics covered and thus gain a deep and rounded understanding of the subject. Teacher assessments of pupils’ Key Stage 3 skills, knowledge and understanding in modern foreign languages take place in the summer term of Year 8.
GCSE French from Year 9
From Year 9, pupils continue to learn in the manner adopted in Years 7 to 8. They will build upon their core skills and refine their abilities in all aspects of the language while producing coursework and preparing for their GCSE examination.
GCSE assessment
Work will be assessed via coursework and examination. Written coursework, which accounts for 25% of available marks, continues throughout Years 10 and 11, the GCSE examination takes place either in Year 10 or Year 11 depending upon individual pupils’ progress, aptitude and preference. Examination accounts for 75% of the available marks (25% of marks being available for each of listening, speaking and reading).
Enrichment activities
Pupils are fortunate to have native speakers (Foreign Language Assistants) working with them in a variety of small group activities. They also have the opportunity to gain the British Airways Language Flag Award.
Having achieved specialist Language College status, Slough Grammar School offers a broad range of high quality language enrichment activities. From visits to France, through exchange programmes, to French Club and modern foreign language ICT activities, pupils are encouraged to open their minds and develop their skills. It is our intention that our pupils will be ready and able to take their place in a world where language skills, and understanding of other cultures, are becoming increasingly important.
Beyond GCSE
The school offers AS and A2 level French to sixth form students. French can also be selected as a subject by those opting to take the International Baccalaureate Diploma.
Beyond school
Language qualifications will help those pupils wishing to consider further education at University or employment in areas such as teaching, travel, leisure and tourism, economics, politics and many other disciplines: never before have language skills been so useful, or in such demand.
