We aim for boys to go forward to their respective senior schools with a firm grounding in French. They should have a very sound knowledge of grammar that will enable them to express themselves confidently orally and in writing. The boys aim to develop an authentic accent and are used to hearing and understanding French, as spoken by native speakers. The aim is for the boys to be able to express themselves fluently and to have the independence to use original sources such as magazine articles and the internet. Flexibility and confidence in the use of language helps the pupils to enjoy using the language and, in combination with the various trips, cross-curricular activities and the Francophile approach adopted in the classroom, we seek to inculcate an interest in France, its history, civilisation and culture. The appreciation of a modern foreign language and a country’s culture is a very important factor in the intellectual development of the boys.
French is taught to all pupils in the school. Year 3 has one lesson a week on French and language awareness; Japanese is also taught. Pupils in Year 4 have two lessons a week, Year 5 pupils have three lessons and this gradually increases until, in Year 8, they have five lessons each week. In Year 7, the 11+ intake are divided into two groups of 10 pupils so that more individual attention can be given.
We have run a very successful exchange with the Ecole de Provence, a large co-educational private school in Marseilles since 1994. Approximately 20 boys from Year 8 take part each year and go to France at half term of the Play (Autumn) Term.