We encourage students to use their intellectual curiosity to make linguistic connections. They apply their knowledge and skills in a range of contexts to communicate as a ‘brave, not perfect’ learner.
In your French classes you will gain a sound understanding of French vocabulary and grammar so that you have the confidence to communicate with other French speakers. You will also gain important, transferable skills through competing reading and listening exercises. However, learning French is more than just learning about linguistics. Developing an understanding of French culture, history and society is important too. That is why over your years at Coombe you will also find out more about French towns, artists, films and food!
Students have the opportunity to participate in numerous events during the school year. In September there is Languages Week when students get to explore different cultures and languages in more depth. Year 7 students all compete in the Spelling Bee, and we often have students going onto the national final. There is also the MFL art competition which asks students to create and describe a painting in French.
Parents can help their daughters in a number of ways: they can test them on their vocabulary when preparing for vocabulary tests, they can ensure that they spend sufficient time on their homework and they can encourage them to use dictionaries to help expand their vocabulary. They can also remind their daughters to proof read work carefully and to include a variety of tenses, time expressions and connectives.
There will be a range of resources and interactive websites for your daughter to engage with in order to promote independent study. The one we most commonly use is www.linguascope.com (the username and password can be obtained from a teacher). BBC Learning Zone is also advisable.
Please find below a list of the main textbooks that we use:
“Métro 1” by Rosi McNab.
There is an annual trip to the Opal Coast in February to which every Year 7 pupil is invited. This is a cross-curriculum trip which involves a variety of tasks for the pupils to complete on the day and feedback to respective teachers in their subsequent lesson. There are also language-themed activities taking place during Languages Week in September.
Curious
Creative
Confident