Clifton College Website

French

Head of French
Mr Bobby Trivic BA
Teachers
Miss Michelle Harris BA Ms Janet MacDermott BA, MA, PGCE Mr Owen Lewis MA Mr Jonathan Thomson-Glover BA Dr Chris Waller MA PhD FIL FRSA Mrs Agathe Webb MA Mr Simon Heard BA
Teaching Assistant
Sandrine Aguerre Lic. en Fil., CAP

French is the most popular second language at Clifton, as it is nationwide, and it is a very useful language for work and pleasure later in life. France has the foreign culture most intimately bound up with Britain’s.

Teaching

In the Third form, most of our pupils have studied French before, but we are able to accommodate beginners. We use a variety of textbooks to suit the ability and experience of our pupils, either the Expo course or Encore Tricolore for the more able pupils.

Pupils will develop greater understanding of how the language works and as a consequence be able to express themselves more clearly and adventurously in the language. Topics studied will provide the context for communicating in the language and learning about the French-speaking world.

Pupils also enjoy using our new state of the art Sony digital language laboratory. This allows pupils to work on listening at their own speed, or to record themselves, speaking on their own or in pairs - a very popular activity. The language laboratory can also enable a class to use the internet within parameters set by the teacher, to make sure time is well-spent.

Greater mastery of the language will allow pupils not only to learn French appropriate to practical tasks but also to tackle more adventurous topics such as the environment, careers, and discussions on ethical and topical issues.

The Sixth Form

A high grade at GCSE enables students to tackle a progressively broad range of authentic texts and broadcasts including video clips from the internet. Topics of study may include French art and the food culture in the Lower Sixth or politics, genetic engineering and globalisation in the Upper Sixth. The French classroom is therefore one in which the expression of personal opinions and the cut and thrust of debate is encouraged.

The teaching is usually divided between two class teachers, and a weekly lesson in ones, twos or threes with the Assistant. One of the most appealing aspects of the course is the opportunity it gives to students to pursue their interests in the individual choice of topics for the AS and A2 oral tests and for the coursework at A2. This helps students to engage in their language work and be independent-minded. The course books we use in the Sixth Form are Tout Terrain and Elan 2.

The French Assistant

Clifton is awarded a top ranking by the organisation in charge of providing French Assistants, which means that we are sent bright, enthusiastic young graduates who see all the Sixth Form French students weekly in ones, twos or threes. These weekly sessions really help students develop their fluency.

The French Exchange

Each year we organise a trip to France which incorporates an Exchange with a French family. Please take a moment to see the reviews from the 2007 and 2008 trips.

Events

The department also puts on many events for students. Specifically French events planned this year include:

a French quiz for Fifth formers.
a French lunch, including some nice cheese and chocolates where speaking English is forbidden.
a Wine Tasting in French.
a Sixth form debate against teams from Badminton School.