FRENCH – YEAR 8

Teacher i/c Subject: Miss L Dallimore

Aims/Objectives for Year 8

To continue the study of a modern language, in line with the requirements of the National Curriculum for Modern Foreign Languages. The skills thus defined are:

- Listening

- Speaking

- Reading

- Writing

French learners in Year 8 fall into two categories - (i) those who continue from Year 7 with French as their first Modern Foreign Language (MFL 1) and (ii) those who are starting French as their second Modern Foreign Language (MFL 2), which they will study alongside German, to GCSE level.

Course Description

Generally a topic is introduced so that pupils hear and can speak French before they read and write about it. The value of grammar is increased during Year 8 for MFL 1 learners.

Modern Foreign language 1.

Term 1

After initial revision of Year 7, new topics include: further work on places in a town, buying souvenirs etc. Grammar work continues with the study of adjectives, including agreements, expressions of quantity and the irregular verb “aller”, in the Present tense. The Past tense (perfect) is introduced here.

Term 2

Much consolidation of previous work, including oral work (conversations). Many pupils take advantage of the visit to Normandy - and some class time is given to discussions about their experiences - and life in France generally. Topics include: talking about daily routine and evening activities. The simple future is introduced. Grammar work includes reflexive verbs and more irregular verbs and extension of work on negatives started in Year 7.

Term 3

At this stage, contacts with France - especially penfriends - are emphasised with a view to the Exchange in Year 9. Topics included: reinforcement of time (and 24hr clock), personal descriptions and illnesses, and shopping for food. Grammar work concentrates on adjectival agreement and position, and “avoir” expressions. The Past tense (perfect) is extended.

Modern Foreign language 2.

Term 1	The work is specifically aimed at building confidence in French. Topics are greetings, names, ages, numbers, classroom language, the alphabet, finding out what things are and dates. Work is started on using a bilingual dictionary and other literacy skills.
Term 2	The arrival of letters from new penfriends brings in much discussion about life in France and French schools. Topics are school life, where I live, homes, favourite hobbies, likes and dislikes. Grammar work includes the whole concept of verbs, the pattern of avoir, negatives and the introduction of regular -ER verbs.
Term 3	By now pupils are working on a graded reading scheme at their own pace. Topics are holidays and future events, places in a town, buying souvenirs and snacks. Grammar work includes adjectives and further work on regular -ER verbs and some irregular verbs.

Homework Requirements:

As in Year 7 there is still a strong emphasis on the regular learning of vocabulary and the practising of conversations, although there will be an increased amount of reading and written tasks. For those only studying one language, two homeworks per week will usually be set each of approximately 30 minutes length; for dual linguists there will generally only be one French homework per week of 30-40 minutes length.

National Curriculum Assessment Procedures

Teachers will continue to assess throughout all lessons, but formal assessment will take place at the ends of sections.