AIMS
In accordance with the ethos of the school, the French department nurtures the individual potential of each student promoting his/her academic, personal and social fulfillment. French in St John the Baptist's College is delivered by dedicated, experienced teachers who inspire their students to high achievement in an atmosphere of fun and hard work. We encourage students to:

• Develop an enthusiasm for language learning
• Enjoy a positive learning environment through good teacher-pupil relationships
• Develop the confidence to communicate effectively in French in practical situations
• Develop the ability to work independently and with others
• Develop an awareness and understanding of French culture and French-speaking countries
• Recognize the value of language learning as they take their place in a multilingual, global society

KEY STAGE 3
Through a range of topics pupils are engaged in active learning and e-learning nurturing the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing as well as an awareness of essential grammatical and lexical structures.

Topics covered include:

Year8
Personal details/ Family/ School/ Pastimes/ Numbers/ Time/ Weather/ Days of the Week/ Months and Seasons
Project-based learning  on France also promotes an appreciation of French life and culture.

Year 9
Food & drink/ Clothes/ Health/Television/ Cinema/ Daily routine/ Helping at home

Year 10
Travel/ Paris/ Personality/The World of Work/ Environmental Issues/ Music/ School
An emphasis on Career Opportunities also enables pupils to appreciate how the study of French can enhance employability.

KEY STAGE 4

Years 11+12
The transition to GCSE promotes continuity and progression building on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed at Key Stage 3.

Through 3 Contexts for Learning:

1: Identity, Lifestyle and Culture

2: Local, National, International and Global Areas of Interest

3: School Life, studies and the World of Work
Topics previously covered are extended enabling students to confidently investigate, understand, describe, discuss and give opinions. The focus is on sound manipulation of language, clarity of communication and creativity in a happy and hard working environment.