French Second Language

Conrad HoggNovember 30, 2017October 10, 2024

In the French: Second Language course, students learn to communicate in oral and written forms as well as develop reading skills which enable them to continue to interact with the language beyond secondary school. They become aware of the variety of cultures and customs which make up the francophone world. The three themes of The Individual, The French-Speaking Communities and The Changing World are developed in different contexts throughout each unit.

Eligibility

The Second Language ATAR courses are all aimed at students for whom the language is a second language. These students have not been exposed to or interacted in the language outside the language classroom and have typically learnt everything they know through classroom teaching in an Australian school or similar environment where English is the language of school instruction. These students were not born, nor have they lived for an extended period of time, in the target country.

To determine if a student is a second language learner and therefore eligible to enrol in the Second Language ATAR course, parents and students will be required to fill out an on-line Application Form for Second Language Eligibility.

The College will receive notification of the application and arrange signing by the teacher prior to the August deadline.

For further enquiries please contact Jonathan Rugg, Curriculum Leader (Modern Languages).

Students not deemed eligible by SCSA to enrol in the Second Language ATAR courses should consider enrolling in the Background Speaker course as a non-school candidate, or consider the IB Diploma Language Acquisition Higher Level (HL) course or the French Language A: Language & Literature course (for native speakers).

All students choosing a language in Year 11 should consult with their individual teachers regarding their language choice and their suitability to complete this course.

Year 11 ATAR Course (ATAR Units 1 & 2)

This course progresses from the Years 7 to 10 curriculum, and focuses on further developing a student’s knowledge and understanding of the culture and language of French-speaking communities. Students gain a broader and deeper understanding of the French language and extend and refine their communication skills. Students have typically studied French for 200 to 400 hours at the commencement of Year 11 and may have experienced some short stays or exchanges in the country where the language is the medium of communication. Students are encouraged to spend at least three weeks in the target language country during the senior course as this greatly extends fluency.

Unit 1 - C’est la Vie (That’s Life)

Three topics are studied:

My Daily Routine
French Sports & Leisure
Leading a Healthy Lifestyle

Students explore their own culture from a teenager’s perspective and compare it with what it means to be a teenager in France. They also explore notions of national or regional identity, and other forms of culture specific to France. They develop the knowledge, skills and intercultural competence to communicate about being a teenager, moving into adulthood, coping with pressures, socialising and developing relationships.

Unit 2 - Voyages (Travel)

Three topics are studied:

My Travel Tales & Plans
Australia as a Travel Destination
Travel in a Modern World

Students begin to view their own culture from the perspective of a French-speaker. They explore cultural understandings critical to participating in a successful student exchange, experiencing family and school life in a French-speaking community and compare how they would prepare for an exchange trip. Students share information about where they have been and where they hope to travel to in the future, and discuss what young people should consider when planning a trip and travelling. They look at Australia as a tourist destination, especially for French- speaking travellers, and how Australians are viewed in France. They explore, compare and comment on stereotypes of Australia and Australians and of France and French-speakers.

Assessments

Overview
Year 11 assessment follows this structure:

INTERNAL assessment (70%) + EXTERNAL exam (30%)

PRACTICAL element (30%) + WRITTEN element (70%)

Assessments

Oral Communication
20%
Response: Listening
15%
Response: Viewing & Reading
15%
Written Communication
20%
Practical (Oral) Examination
10%
Written Examination
20%

Year 12 ATAR Course (ATAR Units 3 & 4)

Unit 3 - Les Média (The Media)

Three topics are studied:

Technology & Me
French Film & Music
In the Media

Students reflect on the role of technologies in their lives and in the lives of young people in French speaking communities. Students develop an insight into the cultures and lifestyles of the French-speaking communities through examples of francophone films and music. Students consider the media and its impact on the global community.

Unit 4 - Le Monde Qui Nous Entoure (The World Around Us)

Three topics are studied:

Planning My Future
French Migrant Experiences
Youth Issues

This final unit allows students to use their skills to reflect on, critically evaluate, and personally respond to more complex issues, using advanced language and a wide range of text types. Students focus on their future, international and social issues. They explore the accounts of the French-speaking migrants and consider the reasons for migration and experiences of participating in a new community, as well as current youth issues related to coping with the pressures: stress, drugs including smoking and alcohol.

Assessments

Overview
Year 12 assessment follows this structure:

INTERNAL assessment (50%) + EXTERNAL exam (50%)

PRACTICAL element (30%) + WRITTEN element (70%)

Assessments

Practical: Oral Communication (Course Mark)
50%
Practical: Oral examination
50%

Assessments

Response: Listening (Contribites to Written Course Mark)
15%
Response: Viewing & Reading (Course Mark)
15%
Written Communication (Course Mark)
20%
Written Examination
50%
This includes each of the above written elements.

Courses