French

French Department

 

The study of French allows students to develop their skills in and enjoyment of using languages, contributing to their cognitive, personal, and social growth. Being able to communicate in the mother tongue and in foreign languages is among the eight key competences for lifelong learning identified by the European Council. 

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Language learning helps students to analyse how language works, to compare languages, and to reflect on how they learn languages. This also has a positive effect on their first language skills. Students of French are actively engaged in activities which integrate the five language skills of listening, reading, spoken production, spoken interaction and writing. As a result, they communicate with increasing independence, confidence, and creativity.  

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As learning is a social activity based on communication, learning French offers students ample opportunities for group work so that they may develop language skills and achieve appropriate goals. A key feature of learning a language is that it gives students access to new worlds and different ways of thinking. Therefore, the learning of French also includes learning about French film and music, cultural norms, and geography, alongside aspects of the Francophone world. The development of socio-cultural knowledge and intercultural awareness necessarily allows students to develop a deeper understanding of their own culture, while appreciating diversity.

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