French

The French Study Area is housed in a block of classrooms situated opposite the main school building. Currently there are two specialist teachers who are supported by a teaching assistant,and a French language assistant,who are employed to help students to improve their speaking skills in French. French classrooms are bright and well equipped and enjoy internet access. Teaching resources are varied and effective. Although money has been spent on exciting books and ICT software, teachers have supplemented courses by creating their own materials to match the learning needs of our students.

Teachers and support staff constantly strive to improve the learning experience of all students. From September, the Study Area will use microphones with built in recorders that will enable students to speak French individually or in pairs. Teachers will be able to mark speaking exercises using each microphone's in-built USB stick. Feedback and advice will be given on each student's speaking skills. In 2009 GCSE results were pleasing. The outgoing year 11 French result was 100% A*-C . The current Year 10 GCSE groups have all taken examinations early. In June a group of our GCSE French students spent five days in Tossa de Mar and next year we hope to organise a trip to France, so that they can use their knowledge of French in a variety of situations.

From September 2010 all KS3 students will study both French and Spanish. An encouraging number of Orange pathway students in both Years 9 and 10 will begin French GCSE studies this September. An after school French club is offered to KS3 students and GCSE revision classes to students in KS4. The French Study Area subscribes to the Atantot internet site for student use at home or in school. Teachers have issued slips with the required password. Students are invited to borrow the French Mary Glasgow magazines to read at home.