Subject Leader: Mrs S Beaumont – sbeaumont@knoleacademy.org
Subject Teachers:
Exam Board: International Baccalaureate
Entry Requirements
Minimum of 5 9-5 grades in GCSE examinations including English and Maths
Intent
French is taught as language. It is designed to provide students with the necessary skills and intercultural understanding to enable them to communicate successfully in an environment where the language studied is spoken.
Implementation
Students learn to communicate in the target language in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. They describe situations, narrate events, make comparisons, explain problems, and state and support their personal opinions on a variety of topics relating to course content.
Impact
Studying French can help you stand out in competitive job markets and lead to better career opportunities. It can also be a valuable asset in the world of business, leisure, tourism, and education. The business world also offers avenues for French graduates, particularly in companies that operate internationally or in French-speaking regions. Roles in international sales, marketing, and customer service can benefit from the cultural and linguistic expertise of French graduates, enabling businesses to expand their reach in Francophone markets.
This process allows the learner to go beyond the confines of the classroom, expanding their awareness of the world and fostering respect for cultural diversity. It develops students’ linguistic abilities through the development of receptive, productive and interactive skills.
Course Outline
Receptive skills: Students understand a range of written and spoken authentic personal, professional and mass media texts on topics of interest. They understand descriptions of events, feelings and wishes; they understand comparisons and recognize a straightforward, linear argument. They use context to deduce the meaning of sentences and unknown words and phrases.
Productive skills: Students write texts for a variety of purposes and make oral presentations on topics of interest. They write descriptive texts and personal correspondence; they make comparisons, narrate stories, provide detailed accounts, and express their thoughts and opinions on abstract or cultural topics.
Interactive skills: Students initiate and maintain the flow of conversations and discussions. They express and respond to opinions and feelings on a variety of topics. They use and understand clear speech on a variety of topics relating to course content and the culture(s) of the target language. Students use a variety of strategies to negotiate meaning and foster communication.
Examination Information
Exam Board: International Baccalaureate
Qualification: French Diploma
- External assessment (75%)
- Internal assessment (25%)
Paper 1 (37.5%)
1 hour 15 minutes
- Productive skills—writing (30 marks)
- One writing task of 250–400 words from a choice of three, each from a different theme, choosing a text type from among those listed in the examination
Paper 2 (37.5%)
1 hour 45 minutes
- Receptive skills—separate sections for listening and reading (65 marks)
- Listening comprehension (45 minutes) (25 marks)
- Reading comprehension (1 hour) (40 marks)
Internal assessment (25%)
This component is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB at the end of the course.
Future Courses and Possible Careers
Below are some examples of the various career paths available to those with a French degree, underlining the value and demand for their linguistic and cultural knowledge.
- Translation and interpretation roles in government, healthcare, and international business.
- Teaching French in schools, language institutes, or through online tuition.
- Diplomatic service and international relations careers, including policy analysis.
- Opportunities in the tourism and hospitality industry, enhancing customer experiences.
- Roles in arts, media, and journalism, focusing on French culture and international markets.