LMS - French

French

French Teachers - Mr Y Cervero, Mrs M Gair, Mrs R Bonas

Department Aims

The aim of the French department is to create an atmosphere that stimulates pupils’ interest, where they participate and are eager to learn, and develop a positive attitude to the learning of French.

It is also our aim to give pupils the confidence and competence to communicate in a foreign language, at levels appropriate to their individual abilities.
The classroom environment is designed to stimulate pupils’ interest in the study of French. This is done with a view to maximise their learning potential in a variety of situations, in order to ensure the highest level of achievement for each pupil.

We strive to:

develop pupils’ ability in the four main linguistic skills: speaking, reading, listening and writing, in a contemporary and relevant context, and improve their self-confidence as well as enabling them to work both independently and as part of a team in varied activities.
enable pupils to apply their knowledge confidently in real-life situation (i.e. through the use of role-plays and group work). This might involve students playing games in pairs or practising conversations together for a performance.
foster positive attitudes to learning French and a sympathetic approach to other cultures in the French-speaking world, as well as encouraging pupils to view their own culture in the context of the multi-lingual and multi-cultural society in which we live.
develop essential transferable study skills as well as personal qualities such as initiative, social skills, self-confidence and independent thought processes.

Years 5 and 6 (Key Stage 2)

Pupils experience French in a 60 minute session every week through games, songs, rhymes and short role plays. The main emphasis in lessons is on speaking and listening skills, with a strong emphasis placed on the enjoyment of learning French. Reading and writing activities are also used to reinforce these skills.

Years 7 and 8 (Key Stage 3)

The pupils are allocated two French lessons per week where they participate in a wide range of activities which gives them opportunities to develop their language and communication skills.

These include activities that combine the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking, the use of ICT and multimedia resources. This is complemented by emphasising pronunciation and communication through, for instance, drama sessions in the Visual Aids room using activities that encourage pupils to react more confidently to an unfamiliar language.

Resources and Equipment

A wide range of materials is used for the teaching of French at Lindisfarne Middle School. These include interactive CD-Roms, a range of modern textbooks, innovative software such as Boardworks Key stage 2 & 3, and subscriptions to educational French websites.

Rewards

Members of the department praise and encourage pupils in class by rewarding good work and effort, by using a system of awarding French stamps. Regular positive participation or exceptional work, regardless of the level, can earn a French ‘Certificat de Mérite.’

Programme of Study

Year 5: Introducing oneself/personal information, birthday, days & months, seasons, colours, numbers, weather, animals, ordering in a café.

Year 6: Pastimes/hobbies, expressing likes/dislikes, weekend activities, family, personality and describing oneself, describing one’s home and environment.

Year 7: Food & drink, body parts, creating a monster, fitness and sports, illnesses, healthy living, making plans for the weekend, places & directions, French-speaking countries, clothes, fashion, ideal uniform, TV programmes, cinema/films, giving opinions, expressing likes/dislikes.

Year 8: Arranging to go out, expressing suggestions and excuses, expressing opinions, giving an account of a past holiday, routine and home life, helping at home, odd jobs, pocket money, festivals, special events, transport, jobs/occupations, making preparations for a party, future holidays.