Curriculum Journey
This is a map to show the learning journey in French from year 6 through to further education and possible careers.
MFL Curriculum Journey.pdfOverview of the learning journey in French
Year 7
Introduction To France & The French Language
Beginning Year 7, students are introduced not only to the French language, but also to French culture. The Present Tense is introduced, along with regular verbs (‘er’, ‘ir’ and ‘re’), allowing students to form straightforward sentences in all four disciplines. The different genders are explained, leading to the reason for adjectival agreement, as is the Infinitive, in conjunction with how to use a bilingual dictionary. The Conditional Tense is introduced only in the first person singular at this stage (‘je voudrais’), particularly with speaking exercises. Regular pronunciation practise is actively encouraged to promote confidence. Grammar used is within the realms of topic related vocabulary.
Year 8
Vocabulary & Grammar Learning
The Past Tense is introduced, as well as Irregular Verbs (including ‘être’, ‘avoir’, ‘aller’ and ‘faire’). Reflexive Verbs are explained and how to describe a daily routine (e.g. ‘je me réveille à huit heures’). Complex sentences begin development, using connectives and intensifiers (such as ‘et’, ‘assez’, ‘très’, ‘cependant’), using topic related vocabulary, and including the use of questioning, particularly within speaking exercises. The Near (Immediate) Future Tense is used in describing plans for the coming weekend (e.g ‘je vais jouer au football’).
Year 9
Language Development
Present, Past, Future and Conditional Tenses continue to be developed (e.g. ‘je vais’, ‘je suis allé(e)’, ‘je vaisA faire’, ‘je voudrais faire…’). Complex structured sentences are encouraged, utilising pre-learned high frequency words, connectives, intensifiers, negation, opinions and reasons. Synonyms are encouraged to provide students with a bank of vocabulary words to assist them in varying their language skills, whether written or spoken. Translating skills utilise comparatives and superlatives, all whilst using topic related vocabulary.
Year 10
GCSE Study
Present, Past and Future Tenses are developed even further, whilst including the Conditional Tense. Complex structured sentences continue to progress through the use of idioms and uncommon language (e.g ‘je suis aux anges’), all within the four disciplines of language learning. Translating skills are actively encouraged via all four disciplines, particularly within writing, which logically leads to literary texts and the development of French culture. Topic related vocabulary is included throughout.
Year 11
GCSE Study
Present, Past, Future and Conditional Tenses continue to be used, with increased emphasis on complex structured sentences, using high frequency words, connectives, intensifiers, idioms and uncommon language. The use of questioning and giving opinions and justifications is actively encouraged, to help create extended sentences, thus enabling students to effectively express themselves through listening, reading, writing and speaking in the French language. Translating skills focus towards a literary text, such as a newspaper article in French, which may or may not be within the realms of the related vocabulary topic, allowing students to further extend their vocabulary and grammar skills within their language learning.