Taught by: Mrs Souad Tehami BA (Hons), Algiers and Mrs Ghena Taraboulsi BA (Hons)London; CELTA;PGCE.

Aims & objectives

French is relatively new at Islamia and has been a very popular option since it was introduced in 2005. The course aims to enable pupils to communicate effectively in the French language and to develop independent learning skills. All lessons are conducted in French and each of the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing are tested separately at the end of the course.

What do pupils do?

Pupils are actively encouraged to express themselves in the target language including their likes, dislikes, ideas and opinions. They learn to speak, listen, read and write in the target language in addition to exploring the languages’ diverse culture; the many peoples from the various different countries in which the language is spoken.

Facilities & Resouces

The primary textbook for all years is the ‘Expo’ series.  As we are now housed in attractive, extensively refurbished accommodation dedicated to MFL teaching, from this year onward the department will be able to focus on building up its audio-visual resources to complement our interactive Smartboard and projector. Our program of trips and students exchanges is currently under consideration and links with other schools via e-mail and traditional correspondence are in the process of being developed.

Syllabus
At Key Stage 4 (GCSE), the department follows the Edexcel syllabus. The course is divided into the following five contexts:

1. Home Life, School Life, Eating & Drinking and Health & Fitness
2. People, Free Time, Making Appointments and Special Occasions
3. The Local & Other Areas, Shopping & Public Services, The Environment and Going Places
4. Work Experience and Careers and Life-Long Learning
5. The Media, World Issues, Events and People, Tourism and Holidays and Tourist and Holiday Accommodation

The objective of the course is to be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the target language; its grammar and vocabulary as well as to be able to demonstrate an awareness of its culture.

During the final assessment, students sit a four paper examination corresponding to the four language learning skills. This exam is tiered in order to accommodate all abilities; however most students enter at the higher level.