French Curriculum Overview
Curriculum Intent
At Chingford Foundation School, our French curriculum provides an opening to other cultures, inspiring curiosity, empathy and mutual respect. Through the study of language, students learn to express their ideas and emotions while developing a deeper understanding of the world and their place within it.
The ability to communicate in another language is a powerful life skill that broadens horizons, strengthens cognitive ability, and builds global awareness. Our aim is to develop confident linguists who are creative, analytical and able to connect meaningfully with others across cultures.
The curriculum embodies the school’s four pillars:
- Knowledge – Students develop a secure grasp of vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation, learning to read, write, speak and listen with accuracy and fluency.
- Independence – They learn to use language spontaneously and creatively, drawing on prior knowledge to express themselves with increasing confidence.
- Empowerment – Students recognise how learning a language opens up opportunities for travel, study, and employment in an interconnected world.
- Inclusion – The curriculum celebrates diversity across the Francophone world, ensuring that all students see themselves represented in the people and cultures they study.
Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9)
At KS3, students develop the foundations of communication in French. Lessons balance speaking, listening, reading and writing, using authentic materials to bring the language and culture to life. Grammar is introduced systematically to enable students to use language creatively and accurately.
Year 7
- La rentrée – School life, numbers, the alphabet and classroom vocabulary.
- En classe – Subjects, opinions, timetable and uniform.
- Mon temps libre – Leisure activities, technology and hobbies.
- Ma vie de famille – Describing family, friends, home and mealtimes.
- En ville – Talking about your town, making plans, ordering snacks and describing places.
Year 8
- Vive les vacances – Describing past holidays and experiences in the past tense.
- J’adore les fêtes! – Festivals, food and cultural celebrations.
- À loisir – TV, cinema, music and online activity.
- Le monde est petit – Weather, house and daily routine.
- Le sport en direct – Sports, health and famous sports personalities.
Year 9
- Qui suis-je? – Identity, relationships and role models.
- Le temps des loisirs – Free-time activities, technology, books, films and TV.
- Jours ordinaires, jours de fête – Daily routines and family celebrations.
By the end of KS3, students can use three tenses confidently (past, present and future), give opinions with reasons, and understand authentic French across different contexts. They are ready for the challenge of GCSE.
Key Stage 4 (GCSE French – AQA, New Specification from 2026)
At GCSE, students refine their communication skills and deepen their understanding of French-speaking cultures. The course promotes linguistic competence, cultural awareness and confidence in using French for real purposes.
The GCSE course is structured around three broad themes:
1. Theme 1: People and Lifestyle - Identity and relationships with others, healthy living and lifestyle, education and work
2. Theme 2: Popular Culture - Free-time activities, customs, festivals and celebrations, celebrity culture
3. Theme 3: Communication and the World Around Us - Travel and tourism, including places of interest, media and technology, the environment and where people live
Topics include:
- Module 1 — Tu as du temps à perdre ? Free time and digital life: internet/technology, TV/films/music, making plans and what you did last weekend.
- Module 2 — Mon clan, ma tribu Family, friends and celebrations: describing people, friendships, role models and traditions.
- Module 3 — Ma vie scolaire School life and learning: subjects, school rules, comparisons and school exchanges.
- Module 4 — En pleine forme Health and lifestyle: meals, mental/physical wellbeing, illnesses and plans to improve health.
- Module 5 — Numéro vacances ! Travel and holidays: booking, describing trips, festivals, restaurants and holiday problems.
- Module 6 — Notre planète Environment and global issues: climate/geography, environmental problems and everyday eco-actions.
- Module 7 — Mon petit monde à moi Home, town and neighbourhood: describing where you live, shopping, directions and ideal homes.
- Module 8 — Mes projets d’avenir Future plans and work: ambitions, careers, influencers/celebrity culture and applying for jobs.
Assessment Overview:
Students are assessed equally across four key skills:
- Listening (25%)
- Speaking (25%)
- Reading (25%)
- Writing (25%)
Tasks include translating, role-plays, responding to authentic texts, and extended written work in French.
By the end of KS4, students can understand and express themselves on a wide range of topics, using accurate grammar and varied vocabulary. They are equipped to communicate with confidence in real-life and academic settings.
Key Stage 5 (A Level French – AQA)
At A Level, students develop fluency, independence and sophistication in their use of French. They explore the language in greater depth while engaging with authentic literature, film and contemporary issues across the Francophone world.
Core Areas of Study:
- Social Issues and Trends – Family structures, technology, multiculturalism and equality.
- Political and Artistic Culture – Media, music, cinema, and artistic heritage.
- Grammar Mastery – Complex tenses and structures for fluent, spontaneous communication.
- Literary and Cinematic Analysis – Study of a French-language novel and film.
- Individual Research Project (IRP) – An independent study on a chosen topic related to French-speaking culture.
A Level French builds confident global citizens who can articulate complex ideas, debate social issues and appreciate the diversity of the Francophone world.
Links to Other Areas of Study
French naturally connects to subjects such as Geography, History, Art, Business and Food Technology, providing insight into global culture and society.
Learning a language enhances literacy, memory, problem-solving and intercultural awareness — skills that are invaluable across all fields of study and future employment.
Supporting Documents
