Academic | French

Main aims and objectives

The general policy in Modern Languages of any school is to enable pupils to communicate orally in the target language and in the written language and also comprehend both the written and the spoken word, as far as their ability will allow. Sometimes as in our case this entails going beyond the guidelines set out in the National Curriculum.

Our general aims and objectives therefore are :

  • to develop the use of language effectively for the purpose of communication
  • to develop an awareness of the state of language and language learning.
  • to provide enjoyment and intellectual stimulation
  • to encourage positive attitudes to foreign language learning and to speakers of foreign languages, and a sympathetic approach to other cultures and civilisations.

To this end we encourage the use of various methods :

  • maximising the use of the target language
  • the integration of language skills
  • imaginitive and creative tasks and activities.
  • the use of authentic materials to develop cultural as well as linguistic awareness.
  • the use of information technology to develop the learners’ independence

Information Technology is incorporated into lessons wherever possible. “Depart” is very popular is widely used and readily accessible on the French section of the network. Also French games and interactive websites are available on the school intranet. Some of these websites can be accessed using the links facility on this page.

Educational visits

There are trips to France most years. These follow a general theme. In the past it has been sport and music, but also historical (Normandy beaches / Bayeux Tapestry). These trips are also designed to cover the Areas of Experience component of the national Curriculum. In previous years we have stayed in a chateau owned by Ashdowne House and last year a link was forged with the “Institut de la Tour” in Paris. In March 2005 12 boys stayed with French families in Paris on their own and the arrangement was reciprocated in England in the Summer half term. It is hoped that this valuable connection can be maintained in the future.

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