"Avoir une autre langue, c'est posséder une deuxième âme"

(To have another language is to possess a second soul)

Subject Lead: Mr K Santos

Studying French for GCSE opens doors to a rich cultural heritage, enhances career prospects in our globalised world, boosting employability opportunities while also improving cognitive skills like problem-solving and memory. French is spoken in five continents and is a key language in international organisations, making it valuable for travel, cultural arts and diplomacy. Additionally, learning French builds a foundation for mastering other languages and deepens appreciation for diverse cultures, art, literature, and history. Studying French provides both immediate and long-term benefits, equipping you with skills and experiences that enrich your education and broaden your horizons.

All our language teachers use a modernised approach to learning French, including learning by use of film (such as Beauty and the Beast and Around the world in 80 days) in KS3. The French club meets on a weekly basis and, in addition, there are several trips including the ever popular trip to Paris, France. Students here get the opportunity to experience French culture and language while of course, spending time in France with friends and a visit to Disneyland Paris.

 Curriculum

We teach to the AQA GCSE and A-Level specifications.

Find out more here:

GCSE COURSE GUIDE   

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/french/gcse/french-8652/specification

A LEVEL COURSE GUIDE

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/french/a-level/french-7652/specification

Studying French for GCSE can be a rewarding choice for a variety of reasons, spanning academic, professional, and personal benefits. Here’s why you might consider it:

1. Global Relevance

●      Widely Spoken Language: French is spoken by over 300 million people across five continents, making it one of the most widely spoken languages globally.

●      Official Language: It is an official language in international organizations like the UN, EU, NATO, and the Olympics.

2. Career Opportunities

●      Enhances Employability: Many employers value bilingual candidates. French is especially useful in industries like tourism, international business, diplomacy, and aviation.

●      International Networks: France is one of the world’s largest economies, and proficiency in French can open doors to global markets and professional connections.

3. Academic Advantages

●      Skill Development: Learning French improves memory, problem-solving, and multitasking abilities. It can also enhance understanding of English since many English words are derived from French.

●      Boosts UCAS Applications: A GCSE in French can make your application stand out, especially for universities that value linguistic skills.

●      Foundation for Further Study: It paves the way for A-level studies and beyond, offering opportunities for study abroad.

4. Cultural Enrichment

●      Access to Art and Literature: French is the language of influential writers like Victor Hugo and Albert Camus. Understanding it opens up their works in the original language.

●      Cinema and Music: French films and songs offer unique cultural perspectives.

●      Travel: Visiting French-speaking countries becomes more immersive and enjoyable when you can communicate with locals.

5. Personal Growth

●      Cognitive Benefits: Language learning sharpens your brain and delays cognitive decline.

●      Sense of Achievement: Mastering a new language is an impressive skill that builds confidence and self-discipline.

●      Community and Connection: Being able to speak French can help you connect with French speakers around the world.

6. Practical Advantages

●      Tourism: Knowing French enhances travel experiences in France, Canada, parts of Africa, Switzerland, and the Caribbean.

●      Interdisciplinary Applications: French complements other GCSE subjects like History, Geography, and even STEM subjects when exploring French-speaking countries' contributions.