French Second Language (ATAR)
Course Outline
This course is available to students who have met the School Curriculum and Standards
Authority’s criteria for Second Language Eligibility.
This course provides students with opportunities to develop their communication skills
in written and spoken French, developing a wider vocabulary and introducing more
complex grammar structures. The topic covered in unit 1 is C’est la vie! (That’s Life) where
students explore their own culture and share information about the three topics: My
daily routine, French sports and leisure and Leading a healthy lifestyle. They also explore
notions of national or regional identity and other forms of culture specific to France. In
unit 2 Voyages (Travels), students extend their communication skills in French and gain a
broader insight into the language and culture through the three topics: My travel rates and
plans, Australia as a travel destination and Travel in a modern world. They will explore the
French-speaking world on the internet, planning some francophone holidays and looking
at Australia as a tourist destination for francophone travellers.
Knowledge of a second language is essential for over 60 professional fields. Ability in
French is highly desirable if you are considering pursuing a career with, for example, the
airlines, import- export companies, international business, diplomatic services, media,
hospitality and tourism, foreign services or the United Nations.
Desirable Qualifications
A high degree of interest and enthusiasm for French and France is required. Students
should have a willingness to challenge themselves, to experiment and to learn from their
mistakes. Creativity is an asset. The confidence to use French in conversation with each
other, teachers and background speakers will need to be developed. Language practice is
vital to any language course, so students should be prepared to commit time each day to
their language studies beyond class time.
Formal Prerequisites
• A minimum of a C grade in Year 10 French though an A or a B grade is preferable.
Contact:
Mr James Cheah
Head of Languages Faculty
[email protected]
Assessment Profile
Assessment types include some Oral Communication tasks (interviews, conversations
and/or discussions), some Response tasks (reading and responding to a range of texts in
French; the texts might be written or visual as well as listening tasks) and some Written
Communication tasks (for example, articles for newspapers and magazines, emails, blogs,
reviews, summaries and diary entries).
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