French

From Form I, when boys arrive, classes are taught by language specialists in a dedicated classroom. A variety of texts and interactive materials are used to bring the subject to life and boys are encouraged to take an active interest in all things French.

The early years are devoted to learning the language in a natural and progressive fashion, with a focus on enjoyment and developing the confidence to express oneself in a new language. Particular emphasis is placed on phonics and encouraging the boys to pronounce French sounds properly from the start.  Games, songs and stories are all also part of an approach which is tailored to choristers with their ‘musical’ ear.

As the boys progress, greater emphasis is placed on grammar, structure, and vocabulary, as they are prepared for Common Entrance. Reading and listening exercises help support focus and resilience; the pupils learn to identify key words and tease out meaning in unfamiliar contexts.  Real life contexts such a trip to a French épicerie give the pupils an opportunity to practise their skills.

The overall approach is one of language building; classes are conducted in French, as far as possible, from the outset, and children are encouraged to see words and phrases as a series of building blocks which they can use to build sentences and paragraphs, developing their confidence in writing and speaking French.  Connections are made between French and other modern and classical languages wherever possible, developing pupils' linguistic curiosity and informing their learning.