French

Modules 

·       Term 1: Introducing myself and describing my family. 

·       Term 2: Describing sports and hobbies. 

·       Term 3: Describing our school. 

Assessment

There are 4 main skills that we focus on in MFL: reading, listening, writing and speaking. 

In KS3 we place emphasis on speaking in lessons and building up the students’ confidence and pronunciation. We assess writing each term as our key literacy piece and give students feedback to move their learning forward. 

We then have a summative assessment at the end of each topic which assesses not only knowledge from that current topic in a range of skills but also knowledge from prior topics taught in the academic year. This allows our students to revisit key transferable phrases and vocabulary seen this year and to ensure retrieval is at the heart of our lessons and assessments. 

Homework  

Students will be set homework on a weekly basis on the website www.languagenut.com. We use this website to encourage students to practise their skills in a variety of tasks such as writing, speaking, translation games, phonics and sentence building.   

Enrichment activities  

We strongly encourage students to use Languagenut as an additional revision tool as there are lots of engaging games and activities to consolidate learning that happens in class. Students can use this independently to further their learning.  

We offer extra-curricular clubs as a department such as French games club which are available to all year groups. We have also arranged several events throughout the year such as a French theatre group performing a play and guest language speakers coming to discuss the importance of learning languages with our young people. 

Furthermore, we have a trip to France that runs bi-annually which is open to Year 9 and Y10 students who have opted for or would like to opt for French GCSE. During this trip, we immerse the students in the French language and culture and do a range of activities to support this such as going to local towns, a local market, a chocolate shop, a bakery and much more! 

Modules 

·       Term 1: Describing our house. 

·       Term 2: Describing our local town. 

·       Term 3: Describing holidays including where we would like to go and where we have been recently. 

Assessment

There are 4 main skills that we focus on in MFL: reading, listening, writing and speaking. 

In KS3 we place emphasis on speaking in lessons and building up the students’ confidence and pronunciation. We assess writing each term as our key literacy piece and give students feedback to move their learning forward. 

We then have a summative assessment at the end of each topic which assesses not only knowledge from that current topic in a range of skills but also knowledge from prior topics taught in the academic year. This allows our students to revisit key transferable phrases and vocabulary seen this year and to ensure retrieval is at the heart of our lessons and assessments. 

Homework  

Students will be set homework on a weekly basis on the website www.languagenut.com . We use this website to encourage students to practise their skills in a variety of tasks such as writing, speaking, translation games, phonics and sentence building.   

Enrichment activities  

We strongly encourage students to use Languagenut as an additional revision tool as there are lots of engaging games and activities to consolidate learning that happens in class. Students can use this independently to further their learning.  

We offer extra-curricular clubs as a department such as French games club which are available to all year groups. We have also arranged several events throughout the year such as a French theatre group performing a play and guest language speakers coming to discuss the importance of learning languages with our young people. 

Furthermore, we have a trip to France that runs bi-annually which is open to Year 9 and Y10 students who have opted for or would like to opt for French GCSE. During this trip, we immerse the students in the French language and culture and do a range of activities to support this such as going to local towns, a local market, a chocolate shop, a bakery and much more! 

Modules 

• Term 1: Describing what jobs we would like to do and our options after school. 
• Term 2: Describing our food preferences and plans for a healthy lifestyle. 
• Term 3: Describing the importance of technology and influence of celebrities. 

Assessment

There are 4 main skills that we focus on in MFL: reading, listening, writing and speaking. 

In KS3 we place emphasis on speaking in lessons and building up the students’ confidence and pronunciation. We assess writing each term as our key literacy piece and give students feedback to move their learning forward. 

We then have a summative assessment at the end of each topic which assesses not only knowledge from that current topic in a range of skills but also knowledge from prior topics taught in the academic year. This allows our students to revisit key transferable phrases and vocabulary seen this year and to ensure retrieval is at the heart of our lessons and assessments. 

Homework

Students will be set homework on a weekly basis on the website www.languagenut.com . We use this website to encourage students to practise their skills in a variety of tasks such as writing, speaking, translation games, phonics and sentence building.   

Enrichment activities  

We strongly encourage students to use Languagenut as an additional revision tool as there are lots of engaging games and activities to consolidate learning that happens in class. Students can use this independently to further their learning.  

We offer extra-curricular clubs as a department such as French games club which are available to all year groups. We have also arranged several events throughout the year such as a French theatre group performing a play and guest language speakers coming to discuss the importance of learning languages with our young people. 

Furthermore, we have a trip to France that runs bi-annually which is open to Year 9 and Y10 students who have opted for or would like to opt for French GCSE. During this trip, we immerse the students in the French language and culture and do a range of activities to support this such as going to local towns, a local market, a chocolate shop, a bakery and much more! 

Subject Introduction

Students who opt to take GCSE French will continue with the skills they have learnt in Years 7-9. We start with the topic of family, friends and relationship which students will be familiar with from their study of family in Year 7. We then continue the year interleaving new topics such as customs and celebrations and celebrity culture with topics seen in KS3 such as media and technology and healthy lifestyle.  

Link to examination: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/french/gcse/french-8652   

Modules

• Half Term 1: Family, friends and future plans. 

• Half Term 2: Customs and celebrations. 

• Half Term 3: Media and technology 

• Half Term 4: Celebrity culture 

• Half Term 5: Healthy living and lifestyle 

• Half Term 6: Jobs and education 

Assessment

There are 4 skill-based exams that student sit for GCSE which are all worth 25% of the overall grade. These exams are: reading, listening, writing and speaking. 
 

The assessment objectives are broken down in to the following: 

AO1: understand and respond to spoken language in speaking and in writing - 35% ​ 

AO2: understand and respond to written language in speaking and in writing - 45% ​ 

AO3: demonstrate understanding and accurate application of the grammar and vocabulary prescribed in the specification - 20%​ 

Students will be assessed on a termly basis where they will complete a reading, listening and written mini assessment along with frequent vocab tests to check their understanding of the topics.  

Homework  

Students will be set homework on a weekly basis on the website www.languagenut.com . We use this website to encourage students to practise their skills in a variety of tasks such as writing, speaking, translation games, phonics and sentence building.   

Enrichment activities  

We strongly encourage students to use Languagenut as an additional revision tool as there are lots of engaging games and activities to consolidate learning that happens in class. Students can use this independently to further their learning.  

We offer extra-curricular clubs as a department such as French games club which are available to all year groups. Furthermore, we have a trip to France that runs bi-annually which is open to Year 9 and Y10 students who have opted for or would like to opt for French GCSE. During this trip, we immerse the students in the French language and culture and do a range of activities to support this such as going to local towns, a local market, a chocolate shop, a bakery and much more! 

Subject Introduction

Students in Y11 will continue their study of the French GCSE by covering the final three topics of the course and then providing ample time to revise and interleave the knowledge of the vocab and grammar covered throughout their two year GCSE. 

Modules

• Half Term 1: Home and environment 

• Half Term 2: Travel and tourism 

• Half Term 3: Free-time activities 

• Half Term 4: Revision for exams 

Assessment

There are 4 skill-based exams that student sit for GCSE which are all worth 25% of the overall grade. These exams are: reading, listening, writing and speaking. 
 

The assessment objectives are broken down in to the following: 

AO1: understand and respond to spoken language in speaking and in writing - 35% ​ 

AO2: understand and respond to written language in speaking and in writing - 45% ​ 

AO3: demonstrate understanding and accurate application of the grammar and vocabulary prescribed in the specification - 20%​ 

Students will be assessed on a termly basis where they will complete a reading, listening and written mini assessment along with frequent vocab tests to check their understanding of the topics.  

Homework  

Students will be set homework on a weekly basis on the website www.languagenut.com . We use this website to encourage students to practise their skills in a variety of tasks such as writing, speaking, translation games, phonics and sentence building.   

Enrichment activities  

We strongly encourage students to use Languagenut as an additional revision tool as there are lots of engaging games and activities to consolidate learning that happens in class. Students can use this independently to further their learning.  

We offer extra-curricular clubs as a department such as French games club which are available to all year groups. Furthermore, we have a trip to France that runs bi-annually which is open to Year 9 and Y10 students who have opted for or would like to opt for French GCSE. During this trip, we immerse the students in the French language and culture and do a range of activities to support this such as going to local towns, a local market, a chocolate shop, a bakery and much more! 

A-Level French at St Wilfrid’s (AQA 7652)

Subject Intent

Studying A-Level French helps students open up the world—not just through language, but by gaining deeper insight into the culture, politics, society and art of the French-speaking world. This course is designed to build fluency, cultural understanding, and analytical thinking, with plenty of opportunities to express yourself in words- writing and speech. Whether you're passionate about languages or looking to broaden your future options, French is an exciting and rewarding A-Level choice.

Course Overview

Year 12 (AS content)

• Theme 1: Aspects of French-speaking society – current trends
  Topics include family structures, cyber-society, and the role of voluntary work.
• Theme 2: Artistic culture in the French-speaking world
  You’ll explore French music, cinema, and cultural heritage.
• Film study: Analyse a French-language film in detail, developing skills in critical thinking, interpretation, and personal response.

Year 13 (A-Level content)

• Theme 3: Aspects of French-speaking society – current issues
  Topics include multiculturalism, marginalisation, crime and integration.
• Theme 4: Political life in the French-speaking world
  You’ll explore political engagement, protest movements, immigration, and Francophone cultures beyond France.
• Literary text: Study a novel or play from the French literary tradition.
• Independent Research Project (IRP): Choose a topic that interests you—anything related to a French-speaking culture—and present and discuss it in your speaking exam.

Assessment

All exams test your ability to understand authentic French and respond thoughtfully and fluently in writing and speech.

Paper 1

Listening, Reading & Translation

2h 30 exam 

50%

Paper 2

Written response to film and literary text

2h exam

20%

Paper 3

Speaking (incl. IRP & general discussion)

21–23 minutes (5 mins prep)

30%

Homework & Independent Study

You’ll be encouraged to:

• Revise vocabulary and grammar regularly
• Engage with French news, music, podcasts, or YouTube
• Complete past paper questions and grammar exercises
• Develop your IRP through guided research and drafting
• Practise speaking and listening through 1:1s, recordings or apps

Enrichment Opportunities

• Conversation sessions with French-speaking assistants
• Trips to French films, restaurants, museums or study visits abroad
• Film and literature discussion groups
• Language competitions or essay prizes
• Support with university-level language study or EPQ

Where Can French Take You?

Languages are highly valued by universities and employers. French A-Level supports careers in international business, law, politics, tourism, teaching, journalism, diplomacy, and beyond. Whether you pursue French at university or combine it with another subject, the communication skills, cultural insight and independence you gain will set you apart.