French
During the compulsory years of schooling in the Languages other than English (LOTE) key learning area, students can demonstrate communicative ability by comprehending and composing a variety of written and spoken texts in a Language other than English for a variety of purposes. In their communication, it is expected that students can:
- use a range of linguistic features
- apply process skills and strategies to maintain discourse
- demonstrate cultural understanding and develop inter-cultural competence.
Students acquire:
- positive attitudes to people of other languages and cultures
- confidence and enjoyment in the application of new communication skills in purposeful interactions
- understanding of the nature and role of language
- understanding of their own and the target culture, recognising that all cultures are diverse
- a repertoire of language-learning strategies that can be applied in lifelong language learning
- creative-thinking and problem-solving abilities as they draw on knowledge and language skills to solve communication needs
- skills for constructive participation with others
- a reflective attitude towards their language learning and their first language
- an ability to access knowledge of the target culture.
Languages Other Than English (LOTE) are a means of communication across cultures. The study of a LOTE promotes socio cultural understanding and competence in a different language. Languages are important as a medium of interpersonal relationships, of thought and of learning about the world.
Learning French is about communication. Studying a language involves comprehending and composing in written and spoken contexts. The study of French involves macroskills of:
- Listening
- Speaking
- Reading
- Writing
If students wish to continue to study a LOTE they may choose from the sequenced units that are offered. As the study of French is sequential, units are offered in a particular order. This is because the language skills are built up through each semester of study.
Years 11 & 12
Language is communication and therefore the emphasis in French studies is on being able to communicate in a variety of real life situations.
TOPICS
A wide variety of themes will be covered, often covering social issues. These themes are:-
Leisure, recreation and human creativity
The topics covered include sports, hobbies, interests, holiday planning, itineraries and the tourist office as well as the cinema, television, music and the importance of the internet as a recreational activity.
School
The topics covered include schools in France and Australia, student exchanges and school visits.
Family and Community
The topics covered are personal descriptions and personality, family events, marriages and social trends (Year 12) and legal implications of cohabitation in France as well as health care and ‘body image’ among adolescents.
Social Issues
The topics include youth, conflict, issues of unemployment and drug use among the youth, equal opportunities, immigration and racism as well as the environment, pollution and ecology on a global and local level.
The themes will be studied over 4 semesters and the more complex issues will be covered in Year 12.
While studying French, students are encouraged to read French magazines, watch French television programs, go to the French Film Festival held in Brisbane, dine in a French restaurant or café where their speaking skills will be enhanced and express their opinion over a variety of topics.
It is expected that by the end of Year 12, students should be able to participate adequately in everyday situations that they would encounter in the country of the language they are learning.
VALUE OF THE SUBJECT
Languages develop communication skills and assist in understanding one’s own language. Learning French means learning how people live in other parts of the world and, hopefully, also assist in the development of a more globally aware and tolerant person.
It is obvious that foreign languages are important when travelling and may also be beneficial for international employment. The second language can also be maintained by creating contacts with penfriends, especially with the usage of emails. We have regular contacts with Jean Le Canuet College in Rouen in France.
For many jobs, knowing a foreign language is helpful and for some it is essential. Pilots, travel agents, flight attendants and other people connected with the tourist industry deal increasingly with overseas travellers. Journalists and camera teams need to know foreign languages when they cover international events. Some people who work in the food and fashion industry may find that having another language is an advantage. People in many fields find a second language to be an asset. For example, those working in banks, the stock exchange or even libraries can utilise another language. In industry, the knowledge of foreign languages is becoming increasingly important as companies become multi-national. Such companies may even prefer bilingual secretaries. French companies such as Eurospace have offices in Brisbane as a link to their headquarters in Toulouse.
Those students who wish to become a LOTE teacher in a primary or secondary school will obviously need to continue their LOTE studies as will those wishing to enter a career in International Business.
A student does not have to specialise in languages or aim for a career where languages are necessary in order to maintain an enjoyable and useful interest in them. Students are offered the opportunity to enter various competitions offered by the MLTAQ (Multiple Langue Teachers’ Association of Queensland?) and the Alliance Francaise.
PREREQUISITE SUBJECT
Minimum C+ result in Junior French is desirable.
ASSESSMENT
Learning to speak a second language, to understand it when spoken, to read it and to write it are given equal emphasis. All testing will be concerned with assessing the student’s progress in these four skills. There are no assignments for assessment purposes. Test questions will be as close to real life tasks as possible.
LOTE classes access computer programs and complete a computer skills segment as part of their assessment.
Queensland Certificate of Education - 4 points
