French at The Abbey is fun, stimulating and brings a very definite je ne sais quoi to the Curriculum.
All pupils at The Abbey School are taught French from Upper III (Year 7). We have a team of enthusiastic and committed teachers, all of whom have native or near-native command of the language. In keeping with the times, computers play an increasingly greater role in delivering the curriculum and our Multi Media Suite, complete with technician, provides excellent help for MFL pupils to improve their listening and speaking skills. In addition, all language rooms are equipped with excellent sound systems and data projectors and teachers make use of Power Point and ICT material on a regular basis.
Topics covered include Introducing Oneself and Family, School, Free Time, Food and Eating and Shopping. From the UIII (Year 7) pupils have an opportunity to put their increasing skills into practice during their visit to Boulogne –ça sent le poisson, Madame! – and during an optional stay in the beautiful Loire Valley in either their UIVth or LVth year. Pupils in the LIV (Year 8) always enjoy the visit of a touring French theatre company.
In line with the other MFL Departments, French follows the OCR specification for the GCSE course. The examination comprises four papers which test the following skills: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. Speaking is tested internally but marked externally. There is no coursework. Further details can be found on the OCR website. Pupils are encouraged not only to fulfil their potential but to go beyond the requirements of GCSE where appropriate, thereby helping those who continue with French in the Sixth Form to have a head start. We are fortunate also to have the additional help of French students from the University who come in occasionally to provide extra practice in speaking and listening.