In Year 7, students begin by building a strong foundation in the language. They learn how to introduce themselves, talk about their families and discuss their hobbies and interests. Through topics such as festivals and celebrations, students are introduced to French culture while developing core vocabulary, pronunciation and grammatical structures. The emphasis is placed on building confidence in listening, speaking, reading and writing, ensuring that students feel comfortable using the language in a range of everyday situations.

In Year 8, students broaden their understanding of the French-speaking world through topics that explore life in a town, holidays, school, leisure activities and food. As their vocabulary expands, students begin to express more detailed opinions and justify their ideas. They also encounter increasingly complex grammatical structures and become more confident in using different tenses. Through learning about cultural traditions, daily life and travel experiences, students gain a richer understanding of French society and culture.

Year 9 serves as an important bridge between Key Stage 3 and GCSE study. Students explore the lives of young francophones, discover Paris as a cultural and historical centre, and consider topics linked to personal interests and future careers. The curriculum develops students’ ability to communicate with greater accuracy and spontaneity while broadening their understanding of life across the French-speaking world. Students consolidate key grammatical structures and begin to tackle more authentic language, preparing them for the demands of GCSE.

At GCSE, students develop their language skills through a range of engaging and relevant themes. In Year 10, students explore identity and relationships, healthy living, free-time activities, technology and travel. These topics encourage students to discuss contemporary issues while deepening their understanding of French grammar and vocabulary. Students learn to communicate with increasing fluency and accuracy, expressing opinions, narrating events and discussing future plans with confidence.

In Year 11, students study wider global and cultural themes, including the environment, celebrity culture, festivals, education and future aspirations. These topics encourage students to engage with real-world issues and develop the ability to analyse, explain and evaluate ideas in French. Alongside language development, students refine their examination skills and strengthen their confidence across all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.

At A Level, students move beyond language acquisition to engage critically with French society, culture, literature and film. In Year 12, students study changing family structures, cyber-society, volunteering, contemporary francophone music, cultural heritage and French cinema. Grammar is taught explicitly to support increasingly sophisticated communication. Students also analyse the film La Haine, exploring its social, political and historical context.

In Year 13, students develop advanced linguistic and analytical skills through the study of contemporary social issues, including diversity, marginalisation, crime, immigration, political engagement and protest movements. Students undertake a detailed study of the literary work No et Moi and complete an Independent Research Project that allows them to explore an area of personal interest related to the French-speaking world. By the end of the course, students are able to discuss complex issues with confidence and demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of language, culture and society.

Students are encouraged to enrich their language learning through a range of experiences beyond the classroom. At Key Stage 3, the Yes Oui Can Club provides opportunities to practise French in a fun and supportive environment. GCSE students benefit from dedicated support and revision clubs in Years 9 and 11, helping them strengthen their linguistic skills and examination confidence. The Bordeaux Exchange offers a valuable opportunity for cultural immersion, allowing students to experience everyday life in France and develop authentic communication skills. At Sixth Form, students can participate in the Paris Trip, gaining first-hand experience of French culture, history and society. These opportunities help students appreciate the practical value of language learning while developing independence, confidence and intercultural understanding.

AQA GCSE French (8652)

AQA A Level French (AQA 7652)

Years 7–8

• Short Stories in French for Beginners – Olly Richards
• Le Petit Nicolas – René Goscinny
• French Short Stories for Young Learners – Frederic Bibard
• Dual-language French readers and comics such as Astérix

Year 9

• Short Stories in French for Intermediate Learners – Olly Richards
• Le Petit Prince – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
• Journal d’un dégonflé (French edition) – Jeff Kinney
• French news articles from 1jour1actu

Years 10–11

• No et Moi – Delphine de Vigan (adapted extracts)
• Un Sac de Billes – Joseph Joffo
• L'Étranger (adapted edition) – Albert Camus
• Articles from Mon Quotidien and Le Monde des Ados

Years 12–13

• No et Moi – Delphine de Vigan
• Kiffe Kiffe Demain – Faïza Guène
• L'Étranger – Albert Camus
• Ensemble, c'est tout – Anna Gavalda
• Selected articles from Le Monde, France 24 and Courrier International

Additional Listening and Cultural Resources

• French podcasts such as InnerFrench
• TV5MONDE educational resources
• France 24 en Français
• French-language films including La Haine, Les Choristes and Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis

These resources support vocabulary development, cultural understanding and linguistic confidence, helping students develop a lifelong appreciation of French language and culture.

Coffee Break

https://coffeebreaklanguages.com

Duolingo

https://www.duolingo.com/courses