French Dept

Welcome to the French Department of St Columb's College.

Members of the French Department 2011-2012:

• Dr S Funnell (Subject Leader)
• Mrs S Caughey
• Mr D Chambers
• Mr K Kearney
• Mrs S McGonigle
• Mr B O'Donnell
• Mr J Peoples
• Mr X Prigent
• Mrs J Smyth
• Miss Sophie Winckel (French Assistant)

.Aim: To instil in our pupils a love of the French language through a pupil-centred teaching approach which enables pupils to take an active role in their learning, understand the language and communicate effectively in a variety of different situations. .

At Key Stage 3, the ten members of the French Department use the Voilà series of textbooks as their principal teaching resource.  These coursebooks enable pupils to develop their Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing skills through a range of exercises promoting active learning.  Other resources, such as Boardworks CD-ROM and the software program, Microsoft PowerPoint, facilitate an interactive, pupil-centred teaching approach.  ICT tasks, built into the Department's Key Stage 3 Schemes of Work, cater for a range of pupil abilities and interests.  Pupils are given opportunities in class to work in pairs and groups, as well as present their work to their peers, thereby developing their Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities.  Every year, pupils studying French in Year 9 have the opportunity to visit Normandy and Paris.

In Key Stage 4, pupils must study one language at GCSE Level and many opt to continue to learn French.  Pupils follow the CCEA programme of study at GCSE and at A Level.  The revised A Level specification, which came into effect from September 2008, is divided into four modules: two in Year 13 and a further two in Year 14.  There are three Contexts for Learning at AS: Relationships, Health and Lifestyle and Young People in Society.  These Contexts cover many of the topics studied at GCSE Level, such as family, hobbies and interests, travel and school life.  There are two further Contexts for Learning at A2; these are Local and Global Citizenship and Environmental Awareness.

Increasingly, employers are seeking students who can offer good interpersonal skills; these can be developed through the Programme of Study for French.  Research has shown that the majority of students who can offer a second language work in business-related areas, such as finance, language services, pharmaceuticals, technology, the media, engineering, social and civil services, customer support services, education, transport and distribution and travel and tourism.  Universities are now offering courses which combine the study of French with another subject, such as Law, Music, Business Studies, or even a Science subject. There are many interesting combinations available as employers and students alike realise that the study of a language provides invaluable communication and interpersonal skills, which can ultimately lead to a fulfilling and successful career.