It is a dynamic department and encourages students to learn about the French society, culture and traditions. It is formed by two French native speakers who are fully qualified teachers and have experience in the British educational system.

Key Stage 3

Pupils in Forms 1 are taught in a whole class group and expand upon the learning undertaken in the final year of Junior School. In Forms 2 and 3, we tailor the learning of French to our students’ needs by splitting the class in two levels. In Form 4 and 5, French is part of the options system for GCSE/IGCSE and we offer it twice to make sure that all students who wish to take French, may do so.The class sizes are small and allow the students to get all the attention they need from their teachers as well as having the opportunity to develop their speaking skills.We encourage our students to read in French, watch series or films or to go on linguistic trips to French-speaking countries, these being organised each year by the department. We offer a Lyon French trip to F3 and a Paris French trip to F4.

Key Stage 4

At IGCSE, pupils in Form 5 will learn a variety of skills; listening, speaking, reading and writing. All of these are assessed separately and will contribute to the final grade awarded. Emphasis is placed on the practical elements of the French Language, and specific focus on areas such as ‘Health and Lifestyle’ “Home and Abroad”or ‘Education’. It is hoped that the IGCSE course will provide the necessary incentive for pupils to consider taking the subject at ‘A’ level in the Sixth Form.

Sixth Form

A Level students will develop their knowledge of the subject and use a variety of techniques necessary to ensure good communication skills, and the confidence to express facts and ideas in the written form. We prepare students to IAL French. There are 4 modules, each one covering different topics areas, one of them being a French historical period. 2 modules prepare the students for an oral exam.