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French

Teaching Staff:     
                                
  • Ms L R Clarke

"You live a new life for every language you speak. If you know only one language, you live only once."

Czech Proverb

At Ballycastle High School we aim to encourage our pupils to develop their linguistic knowledge and capabilities as much as possible by providing stimulating and enjoyable learning experiences within the classroom.

 

All Year 8, 9 and 10 pupils study French and then have the opportunity to continue their studies to GCSE and A-level.

 

In today’s society modern language skills are becoming more and more important. Learning a language can be necessary for a number of reasons and purposes; work, adapting to our expanding global economy, relocation, family and friends, travel, studying abroad and expanding our horizons to new cultures.

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Learning a foreign language encourages positive attitudes and behaviour towards other people and their cultures.

Whatever the reason, learning a language opens up doors to many opportunities and benefits

Ks3 Topics
 
Pupils work through a variety of topics in the language and develop the four skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking. Key Stage 3 topics include self & family, pets, school life, house and home, local area, daily routine, television and free time activities.

Pupils are encouraged to participate actively in class and use the Target Language where possible.
GCSE

Pupils in Years 11 & 12 follow the CCEA GCSE French specification and study a variety of Contexts and topics.
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Context 1: Identity, Lifestyle and Culture​
  • Myself, my family, relationships and choices; 
  • Social media and new technology;
  • Free time, leisure and daily routine; and
  • Culture, customs, festivals and traditions.
 
Context 2: Local, National, International and Global Area of Interest​
  • My local area and the wider environment;
  • Community involvement;
  • Social and global issues;
  • Travel and tourism
 
Context 3: School Life, Studies and the World of Work
  • My studies and school life;
  • Extra-curricular activities;
  • Part-time jobs and money management; and
  • Future plans and careers.
     
Examinations are taken in Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing.  The Speaking exam is conducted by the class teacher.  The four units are each worth 25% of the overall GCSE.
 
A-level
 
Pupils studying French at A-level also follow the CCEA specification.
 
At AS pupils look at the themes of Relationships and Culture & Lifestyle as well as the study of a literary text.
At A2 pupils study the themes of Young People in Society and Our Place in a Changing World. Pupils also have the opportunity to undertake the study of a literary text.
 
Knowledge is examined in Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing.
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