French
We emphasise the importance of a modern language in a global economy and promote the ‘Languages for Life’ message. We believe that pupils should not be linguistic paupers but instead should be equipped to meet the exciting challenges of the modern world by engaging in a foreign language.
We emphasise the importance of all skills, especially the speaking component, as well as a sound grammatical base. In teaching French, we also focus on its communicative and receptive importance. We use whole class tasks, pair-work, and autonomous learning on a regular basis and have integrated modern technology (iPads) into our teaching techniques.
Departmental Staff
Teaching Staff
French Assistant
Curriculum
First to Third Forms – compulsory for all pupils
In the First Form, we consolidate the foundations laid by primary schools while fully accommodating those pupils who have not been taught French before. We use a topic-based approach so that pupils expand their vocabulary rapidly yet encounter grammatical features from an early stage. After one term we place pupils in sets (two upper sets and two lower sets).
In the Second and Third Forms, we develop pupils’ linguistic skills, knowledge and understanding further which enables them to engage in discussions, or write more extensively employing the past, present, and future tenses. We place pupils into sets in the Third Form.
Fourth and Fifth Forms – GCSE optional subject
- Pearson Edexcel French (1FR0)
- Assessed via four examinations (Listening/Reading/Writing/Speaking).
We teach French in small sets, in dedicated language classrooms, offering you the opportunity to learn in a variety of ways and using a range of technology. The aim of the course is to help you develop the ability to use French effectively and confidently for purposes of practical communication. You will be encouraged to become a confident, responsible, reflective, innovative and engaged learner.
The syllabus provides opportunities for contextualised learning, creative thinking and problem solving, with an emphasis on ‘authenticity’. We are keen to promote the importance of grammar and positive learning skills to engender accurate expression and confidence. Topics covered include family, house and home, local area, school, leisure, future plans, world of work, and the environment.
Sixth Form – A Level optional subject
Speaking a second language stimulates your brain, enhances creativity, and boosts international career opportunities. The proximity of France to the UK, and the increasing number of Britons with second homes there, makes French a valuable subject.
We teach French in small sets, in dedicated language classrooms, offering you the opportunity to learn in a variety of ways and using a range of technology. The aim of the course is to help you develop the ability to use French effectively and confidently for purposes of practical communication. You will be encouraged to become a confident, responsible, reflective, innovative and engaged learner.
The syllabus provides opportunities for contextualised learning, creative thinking and problem solving, with an emphasis on ‘authenticity’. We are keen to promote the importance of grammar and positive learning skills to engender accurate expression and confidence. Topics covered include family, house and home, local area, school, leisure, future plans, world of work, and the environment.
Kimbolton 7th Period Super Curriculum: You will be involved in joutes oratoires (debates in French) and work on podcasts and blogs. Various apps, including FrancePress, will be used on a regular basis, as well as iTunesU courses. The emphasis will be on autonomous work and research, with a strong cultural flavour coming to the fore. Topics include immigration, Francophone world, secular state, The Occupation, French Republic.
- View our Sixth Form Prospectus
Extra-Curricular Activities
Our International Society offers the chance to travel (in school!) through cultures and languages via a varied programme of multilingual films, food and fun. Pupils are also encouraged to join the lunchtime French Club. We also organise other various activities, including making short films and producing plays in French, lectures to Sixth Form students, debates (Joutes oratoires) and French films.
Regular Trips
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There is an annual First and Second Form immersion trip to Château de la Baudonnière, Normandy.
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The French Department (along with the Art and History Departments) runs a biennial trip to Paris in the February half-term. This is a Sixth Form cultural visit and includes visits to art galleries and museums, the Assemblée Nationale, Matignon (the Prime Minister’s residence), the Senate, and the Père Lachaise cemetery.
@KimboltonFrench