Why study a language?

• Studying other languages improves your communication skills – you will be able to communicate successfully in everyday situations. It also makes you aware of your own language and how it works.

• Studying a language helps make us aware of other ways of life and attitudes. 

• But surely everyone speaks English? Well, no! Only about 6.5% of the world’s population speak it as a first language and 18.5% speak it as a foreign language, which leaves 75% of humanity who do not speak it at all.   In our increasingly global society, being able to communicate in other languages is invaluable. This aspect of being a global citizen ties in with many other areas of the curriculum.

 

What will we study?

All pupils in First and Second Year study French. Talking, Reading, Listening and Writing are the main skills developed through class work based on relevant topics such as Family & Home, Travel and Holidays. 

 

How will you be assessed?

You will be given class tests in Reading, Listening, Talking and Writing at regular intervals throughout the school year.

 

Progression

All students continue their studies in French and may also choose to study Italian in S3 and S4.

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S1

Pupils study a range of topics including self & family, dates & numbers, animals & pets, school, sports & hobbies, weather, home & town and holidays. The four key skills of reading, listening, speaking and writing are all covered in both class work and assessments. They are introduced to basic grammar concepts and they work individually, in pairs or, often, in groups. All S1 pupils are given the chance to take part in an end-of-term project in which they investigate some aspect of French or European culture.

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S2

The main topics covered in S2 are TV & cinema, food & drink, travel & transport, free-time and friends. They continue to learn grammar in S2 in order to prepare pupils for the challenges ahead. Again, the four key skills are taught and assessed. Pupils experience Italian lessons through a “taster-course”, usually lasting 9 periods.