French

The aim of the Modern Language Department is to make the pupils' experience of learning a language as exciting and fulfilling as possible. We hope that parents too will become involved and encourage their sons to become budding modern linguists!

Pupils start their first taste of French in Year 7, following the 'Equipe' course book. They receive 3 lessons per week throughout Key Stage 3. In Year 10 almost one quarter of Archbishop Tenison's pupils embark on a GCSE course.

In recent years, the French GCSE has enjoyed considerable success; the results for 2006 showed a 73% A* - C pass rate. Compared to other similar boys' schools, these results are outstanding and reflect the excellent level of teaching and learning, and the commitment and expertise in the Department.

All pupils at Key Stage 3 will enjoy the challenge of learning a foreign language. The Department believes that French should be made accessible to all, regardless of ability and cultural background.

Emphasis is placed on communication and enjoyment. Pupils develop in the four skill areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and lessons are presented in a lively, colourful way using a variety of media. Meaningful communication is valued highly and pupils also develop their social skills through pair and group work.

At Key Stage 4 equal emphasis is placed on the four langiage skills, but pupils are additionally encouraged to develop further awareness of French culture through a multimedia approach. The film "La Haine" is used as a pivot to provoke discussion about French youth culture and social problems within French society, and other similar stimulus is employed on French Politics and contemporary issues to spark heated debate in the classroom - in the target language!

The Department is well resourced with two interactive white boards and video and television media. Pupils are encouraged to use this equipment to produce their own skteches and scenes which have been filmed by the department.

The Modern Language Department prides itself on being a high profile subject that has a positive impact on whole-school life. There are always colourful displays of pupils' work, trips and visits, competitions running, events being organised, and valuable trips and journeys on offer.

We firmly believe that educational visits to France or any activity that brings learners into contact with native speakers are highly valuable and desirable. In the past excursions and visits have included day trips to Northern France, a four day residential trip to Paris, trips to French markets and trips to the French Institute. For GCSE pupils we arrange a visit to a GCSE French Conference, and a trip to the 'Europa Centre', a mock French town in Upminster.