French
Why Study French?
At Beaulieu, it is our intent to encourage all pupils to develop the skills, knowledge, and cultural understanding necessary to become confident, capable communicators in a foreign language. Our curriculum aims to ignite curiosity, promote cross-cultural awareness, and prepare students for global citizenship by equipping them with practical language skills for real-world use.
Students learn to appreciate and respect different cultures and know where French is spoken. They develop the ability to speak, write, read, and understand foreign languages. Students gain language qualifications that will support their future opportunities. They become more confident and prepared for an interconnected world.
Year 7
We begin our French studies with the theme of Hobbies and Interests, introducing core grammar and high-frequency vocabulary. This is followed by units on The Natural World and Online Activities. Essential grammar — including nouns, common verbs in the present tense, and adjectives — is introduced in a clear, logical sequence, with regular recycling of structures to reinforce learning. Students also explore topics such as Personal Appearance, Animals, and Clothing.
We aim to inspire curiosity about the diverse cultures of the francophone world, including regions in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Canada.
Our curriculum develops students’ reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills by combining a strong, grammar-led approach with rich thematic vocabulary. A dedicated phonics strand supports students in practising and mastering key French sounds.
Year 8
Our study of French continues with units on Role Models, Friendships, Jobs, and Culture in Francophone Countries. We introduce the fundamental patterns of French verb conjugation, with a focus on regular verbs in the present tense, as well as common irregular forms and varied verb endings. Students also deepen their understanding of the French-speaking world. A focus on Holidays and Technology is also included.
We emphasise high-frequency, transferable, and inclusive vocabulary that students will need across topics.
The perfect tense is introduced in a clear, logical sequence, with regular recycling to reinforce understanding.
Year 9
In Year 9, students can study French as a GCSE option subject.
Our GCSE course has four equally weighted papers: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. We focus on developing confident communication in French across Theme 1 ( People and lifestyle).
The list of vocabulary focuses on the most common words to ensure practical language skills. Students will gain confidence in the new speaking assessment, which includes a read-aloud task, a role-play, and a picture-based conversation. Students will learn how to write longer paragraphs requiring complex sentences and multiple tenses. Students will also practise dictations of short, spoken extracts and practise responding to questions based on written extracts.
Year 10
In Year 10, we focus on following the AQA GCSE French Specification and coursebooks as we study Theme 2 (Popular Culture: Free-time activities; Customs, festivals and celebrations and Celebrity culture).
Students will also continue to learn their French vocabulary ( based on the most frequent French words organised by topic) and develop their grammar, in particular the use of different tenses, opinions and more complex structures.
Students continue to hone the four skills through regular practice and end-of-topic GCSE-style assessments. At the end of the year, the aim is to complete a full set of GCSE exam papers so that students know what they are working towards in Year 11.
Year 11
In the first term of Year 11, we aim to finish the GCSE course and cover Theme 3 (Communication and the world around us). The main focus for the remainder of the year is exam revision and preparation, as well as revisiting topics when necessary. Students will complete GCSE-style assessments during the year, but the main assessments are the mock examinations in January and the real examinations in the summer.
In order to prepare for the GCSE examinations, students will regularly practise the four skills of Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing using practice exam papers and GCSE resources. At this stage, students should be developing their use of the language by applying the grammar and topic vocabulary that they have learnt over the last two years to different situations and exam questions.
Year 12-13: (A Level)
Studying French in the Sixth Form is an exciting time for our students. They develop fluency and confidence in spoken and written French through the study of social, political, and cultural themes, including artistic culture.
Our course aims to develop fluency, accuracy, and confidence in all four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). We put a strong emphasis on mastering grammatical structures, building on GCSE knowledge.
Students learn to analyse original texts ( e.g. Candide, Voltaire) and films ( e.g. La Haine, Mathieu Kassovitz), developing critical thinking and appreciation for sophisticated and creative language use within a cultural context. Students develop independent research skills when they work on their individual project ( e.g. La guerre d’Algérie).
They leave us ready for their next steps in education: well-rounded, independent and inspired to learn more about the French-speaking world.