French

French is taught to all pupils in the school as we believe that pupils of all ability may benefit from the study of a modern foreign language.
We aim to encourage a lasting enjoyment and appreciation of the French language as well as its culture and traditions, and to develop the ability to use French effectively for the purposes of practical communication, both inside and outside the classroom.
In the senior part of the school, from Year 6, pupils begin a more formal study of the language using the Encore Tricolore Nouvelle Edition coursebooks, which take them through to the end of Year 8. Pupils develop all four language skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing – and are encouraged to develop a sound grammatical knowledge of the language.
In Year 8 pupils are prepared for a range of examinations in French according to the requirements of their chosen senior school.
Recent successes include two King’s Scholarship awards to Durham School and four places awarded via competitive examination to the Royal Grammar School Newcastle.
6S pupils are seen here celebrating their awards with a French-style “goûter”.
Year 6 pupils have been learning to describe their pets.
Year 7 pupils have been learning to talk and write about their hobbies and pastimes.