Studying French in lower secondary school provides a multitude of advantages for young learners. As one of the most widely spoken languages globally, French opens doors to extensive opportunities for future travel, academic pursuits, and career prospects. Acquiring a new language at this stage enhances cognitive abilities, strengthens memory retention, and elevates overall academic achievement.

Furthermore, proficiency in French nurtures cultural sensitivity and empathy, enabling students to embrace and respect diverse viewpoints and traditions. Commencing French studies in Year 7, 8, or 9 establishes a robust groundwork for advanced language learning in subsequent years, equipping students with invaluable skills for an interconnected world. Embrace the journey of learning French and discover a universe of possibilities!

In our lower secondary French programme, students will embark on an exciting journey to master the basics of the French language. They will develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing through engaging and interactive lessons.

By the end of the programme, students will have a solid grounding in French, ready to take on more advanced studies and communicate with French speakers around the world.

• Vocabulary and Grammar: Students will build a strong foundation in essential French vocabulary and grammar, enabling them to construct simple sentences and express basic ideas.
• Conversational Skills: Through role-plays and dialogues, students will practice everyday conversations, enhancing their confidence and fluency in speaking French.
• Cultural Insights: Learners will explore the rich and diverse cultures of French-speaking countries, gaining an appreciation for different customs, traditions, and histories.
• Listening Comprehension: Engaging with a variety of audio resources, students will improve their ability to understand spoken French in different contexts.
• Reading and Writing: Through fun and practical exercises, students will develop their reading and writing skills, from understanding simple texts to composing short paragraphs.

We do not expect learners starting this course to have previously studied French.

It requires 1 – 2 hours per week of study time for your child to complete Year 7, 8 or 9.

International GCSE French course is designed for students who are learning French as a foreign language. You will develop an ability to use the language effectively for practical communication. The course is based on the linked language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, and these are built on as you progress through your studies. The course also aims to offer insight into the culture of countries where French is spoken, thus encouraging positive attitudes towards language learning and towards speakers of other languages. (Cambridge Assessment International Education, n.d.)

• Reading
• Writing
• Listening
• Speaking

International GCSE French requires about 130 hours of study. The number of hours needed may vary depending on your previous experience of the subject.

We recommend that students starting this course should have studied a modern foreign languages curriculum such as the International Lower Secondary programme or equivalent national educational framework.

The International AS & A Level French syllabus enables learners to achieve greater fluency, accuracy and confidence in the language as it is spoken and written, and improve their communication skills.

They will learn how to improve their use of French in a variety of situations, understanding how to read texts and other source materials, extract information, initiate conversations and respond to questions both orally and in writing. (Cambridge Assessment International Education, n.d.)

• Communication: Understanding and producing written and spoken language to be understood by others, including strategies for effective self-expression in formal and informal contexts.
• Language Use: Exploring vocabulary and grammar to improve communication, with an emphasis on clear pronunciation and meaning enhancement.
• Cultural Awareness: Gaining insight into the cultures, customs, and practices of French-speaking countries, and understanding how cultural differences influence language and communication.

International AS Level French Language requires about 180 hours of study, and International A Level French Language requires about 360 hours of study.

These figures are for guidance only. The number of hours needed may vary depending on your previous experience of the subject.

We recommend that students who are beginning this course should have previously completed an International GCSE course in French. Grade B/6 or above in French at IGCSE (or equivalent) is  required before starting International AS & A Level French Language. It is also necessary that all A-Level students have IGCSE English Language, or the equivalent, at Grade C/4 or above.