French

Students are first introduced to French in the Primary School in Year 3 of Key Stage 2 (age 7) and French remains a compulsory subject to the end of Year 9 in Key Stage 3 (age 14). The School provides a range of learning activities to help the students developing their listening skills and phonological awareness, give them a good level of linguistic competence, and give them an opportunity to develop a positive attitude towards language learning in general.

In Key Stage 3 in the Secondary School, the UK National Curriculum (http://www.qcda.gov.uk/) for French continues to be followed.

In Key Stage 4 in Years 10 – 11, students may choose to continue with French at IGCSE level. A summary of the IGCSE French syllabus, and further information about all subjects offered in Years 10 and 11 are provided in the IGCSE Prospectus, which may be downloaded here. The full syllabus for IGCSE French may be found by visiting the CIE website (http://www.cie.org.uk) and locating the subject via its name and/or subject code.

In Key Stage 5 in Year 12 the subject may be studied at GCE AS Level, and in Year 13 at GCE A Level. A summary of the GCE AS Level and A Level French syllabuses, and further information about all subjects offered in Years 12 and 13 are provided in the AS & A Level Prospectus, which may be downloaded here. The full syllabus for AS and A Level French may be found by visiting the Edexcel website(http://www.edexcel.com) and locating the subject via its name and/or subject code.

In addition, the French DELF examinations are offered at Secondary School, leading to an official qualification awarded by the French Ministry of Education that is recognised worldwide, both at university and professional level. DELF examinations are strongly recommended for all students, and for those who choose not to take IGCSE French in Year 10, this will give them the opportunity to obtain this widely respected French language certificate.