French

At Pinewood we believe that learning a language is the key to reinforcing communication with people; it also helps children to open their mind to different countries and cultures.

The teaching of French is undertaken by three specialists: Mr Hawley, Mr Acheson-Gray and Mademoiselle Merchadier, but the department is highly supported in Lower School by francophiles Mrs Hawley and Miss Thomas.

Great emphasis is placed on oral fluency, beginning in Years 1 and 2, continuing with a new oral exam introduced to Years 6 and 7 and culminating with scholarship and Common Entrance work in the important final year. Our teaching approach is to develop children's linguistic competence and confidence. Soon children realise how many french based words there are in English. French suddenly becomes less of a bête noire and, by making it as fun and interactive as possible, we quickly get "I love French" comments. The best reward for us all is to hear of old Pinewoodians taking their GCSE early and quickly moving into top sets at the strongest public schools in the area.

Cultural awareness is promoted at every opportunity and throughout their different stages at Pinewood the children will be given a flavour of both French and Francophile culture, through films, literary extracts, music and songs, projects on famous French people, regions and renowned products, and even through recipes. Within the department the team aims to provide each child with a sound understanding of basic French language and culture, relative to his or her ability. We utilise, within reasonable limits, the target language and whether through role-plays (au marché, au café, treasure hunts etc), presentations or through ICT support (Linguascope and Boardworks); the five of us are eager to transmit our love and enthusiasm for French.

The department is keen to evolve, but we also consider sound grammar an essential aspect of preparation for successful Common Entrance or Scholarship exams. The French department has had the highest rate of success within the school for many years and we are happy and proud to carry on this good work.

We base our teaching on a variety topics (from Me & My Family to School Life and Holidays) and within our personal styles we also tend to mix and share different resources, ICT, newspaper articles and our renowned home made comprehensions!

We also extend the flavour of the subject to France itself. Year 7 go on a trip to Le Chateau du Broutel in Picardie, where the pupils can experience educational and cultural activities, visiting the battlefields of the Somme, going to the local market, making their own mayonnaise or trying frogs legs and snails!

The Year 8 leavers' trip immerses them in the French Pyrenees, where they take part in an outward bound, activity based trip, but also witness life in a small rural village, including the annual transhumance festival.

In year 8, after their Scholarship or Common Entrance exams, the pupils have taster sessions of Italian or Spanish, when the foundations of French allow them to both enjoy and appreciate other latinate languages.

Top Image: Whole School French Day

Year 7 trip to France

Mademoiselle "Marie Antoinette" Merchadier

The French Revolution on Wow Day

French

At Pinewood we believe that learning a language is the key to reinforcing communication with people; it also helps children to open their mind to different countries and cultures.

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