FRENCH – YEAR 9

Teacher i/c Subject: Miss L Dallimore

Aims/Objectives for Year 9

To continue the study of a modern language, while consolidating previous work.

The skills thus defined are:- Listening, Speaking, reading and Writing.

French learners in Year 9 fall into two categories, (i) those who continue with French as their first Modern Foreign Language (MFL1) and (ii) those who continue with it as their second Modern Foreign language (MFL2).

Emphasis in Year 9 shifts slightly towards the need for French in practical situations - in preparation for participation in Exchanges, and for the GCSE examination course. The topics also touch on many issues relevant to Year 9 - regarding peer pressure, family life, etc.

Course Description

Generally, a topic is introduced so that pupils hear and can speak French before they read and write about it. Although the course is topic-based, the importance of grammar is emphasised, especially in the upper sets (MFL1 and MFL2).

Modern Foreign Language 1.

Term 1

Further work on accidents and illnesses will revise end of year 8 work. This is followed by lots of work on daily routines and healthy lifestyles. The grammar involved in this is: more verbs, especially reflexive verbs, time sequences and imperatives. The Perfect Tense is also introduced.

Term 2

Topics include hobbies and free-time activities, preparing to go on holiday, meeting a penfriend, making a date to see someone and refusing invitations. Grammar work includes: opinions, “il faut”, forms of transport. Further reinforcement of Tenses is essential.

Term 3

The term continues with further work on meeting someone, and more work on towns, the cinema, clothes and shopping. Grammar involved here is predominantly the perfect tense and adjectives.

Modern Foreign Language 2.

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.

Homework Requirements:

As in Years 7 and 8, the emphasis is obviously still on regular learning - but this may now take the form of grammar patterns, as well as vocabulary. The upper sets will have increased written homeworks. Two homeworks per week will usually be set, of approximately 40 minutes length each for all pupils. (Irrespective of whether they are studying French as their MFL1 or their MFL2).

National Curriculum

Teachers will continue to assess throughout all lessons, but formal assessment will take place at the end of each section of work.