Improvers’ French – Extend Option

Why do this course?

This course will help you to build on the foundation you have acquired at GCSE, focusing on the real-life language skills you will need if you go to a French speaking country in the future, for travel, work or study.

What will it involve?

We will concentrate on all four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, with a special emphasis on the particular skills you will need in the country. There will be a lot of speaking and listening in pairs and small groups to improve your skills and your confidence levels. Activities such as games and role-plays will be common, so you learn in a relaxed environment.

We will use peer assessment in class to help each other learn and there will be short activities at the end of each topic to check on what we have learnt. External assessment for this course is not compulsory. Your achievements will be summarised on a certificate, which you will receive upon successful completion of the course. It is possible to take part in a study visit to France for those who are interested.

How might it help me in the future?

Many careers involve languages such as leisure and tourism, teaching, business, banking, international law, politics, translation, interpreting, supply chain coordinating, engineering, broadcasting, journalism, sales, medicine, nursing, the armed forces and other public services including the police and emergency services. Knowledge of a language is always attractive to employers and university admissions tutors. This course offers you the opportunity to show that you have a passion for languages. It will enable you to study at a higher level if you continue with your French in future (for example to obtain credits as part of a University degree).

You should have studied French up to GCSE in school, although an equivalent level acquired in other ways will also be considered. You will need to be motivated to take part in classes, as we do a lot of talking and you will need to find the time to learn and practise words to build up your vocabulary.