French Language Learning Across the Secondary School
14th March 2026
French Department Update
This term, students in the Secondary French department have continued to develop their language skills through a range of engaging activities designed to build confidence and cultural awareness. Across all year groups, lessons have incorporated the four key language skills: listening, reading, speaking and writing, ensuring a balanced and interactive approach to language learning.
Year 7 students have been learning to talk about sports and free time activities, expressing what they enjoy doing in their spare time. They have also been developing their ability to describe the weather, enabling them to discuss activities in different weather conditions. Interactive activities and short dialogues have helped build their confidence in speaking.
In Year 8, students have been exploring festivals in Francophone countries and learning about how they are celebrated. They have also compared these traditions with celebrations in Tanzania, encouraging students to think about cultural similarities and differences while practising their French communication skills.
Year 9 students have been working on Francophone country projects, where they created informative tourist brochures highlighting key attractions and interesting facts about a Francophone country of their choice. This project allowed students to combine research, ICT skills and French language learning, while also developing their creativity and presentation skills.
In Year 10, the focus has been on the topic of holidays. Students have been learning to describe both ideal and disastrous holidays, practising the use of the past and future tenses to talk about travel experiences and plans.
As Year 11 students approach their IGCSE examinations next month, lessons have focused on intensive revision, particularly in preparation for the speaking examinations scheduled for 18th March. Students have been practising conversations, role plays and photo descriptions to strengthen their fluency and confidence.
We are very proud of the progress students continue to make in French and look forward to seeing them further develop their language skills throughout the year
