French
Never before have the opportunities for using languages throughout one’s life been so plentiful. Work and travel to all parts of the globe have become part of everyone’s expectations. In turn, cultural knowledge and understanding remain fundamental to meaningful communication and friendship with others. The businessman or woman, the international banker, the humble GAP charity worker or holidaymaker, all know that a failure to comprehend a culture, or to speak its language, will result in a failure to embrace the country visited. The Leys French Department aims to encourage Leysians to understand the language and culture of France, as well as the other French speaking countries of the world.
Teaching is delivered in five language classrooms equipped with DVD/Video & Projector facilities as well as a fully-equipped Language Laboratory. All rooms have internet access.
Years 7-11
Pupils follow the ‘Equipe’ course textbook and the OCR syllabus for their Year 10 & 11 GCSE course. Topics are varied and stimulating, covering all aspects of French grammar, language and culture. At GCSE, topics covered include everyday activities, personal & social life, the world around us, the world of work and the international world. Trips include a Year 9 trip to Arras, Northern France and a Year 10 & 11 trip to Nice on the Cote d’Azur.
Sixth Form
Following the Edexcel AS and A2 courses, the 3 units of the AS level build on the basic skills of GCSE before moving onto the A2 course in the Upper Sixth where there is a greater emphasis on extended writing and speaking in the foreign language. The language is applied to realistic, adult situations. Authentic materials include newspapers, television broadcasts, novels and films/magazine articles which form the basis of reading and listening extracts. Accuracy in writing and speaking is considered to be fundamental and these skills are developed through practice in class and in individual sessions with the native French language assistant.
Trips include a week either in Nice in a language school or in Paris.
Staff
Mr S N Leader BA Hons
Mr N J Dix-Pincott MA Hons
Mrs S Vallance-Goode BA Hons
Miss R L Pike BA Hons
Mr M Slater MA
Mrs P B Davies MPhil