» LE FRANÇAIS

French is an international language which is widely used both in Africa and elsewhere – in business and many other fields.  The French syllabus is practical and modern, based on current European language exams and gives you a sound basis in both speaking and writing.  More and more, in order to be competitive in the international workplace, it is essential to be able to communicate in a foreign language.

The French IEB syllabus

The syllabus is based on European language competence exams and stresses the importance of written and oral communication.  It also provides an introduction to French and Francophone culture and literature, broadening the student’s outlook.  Continuous assessment plays an important role in developing the knowledge of the language and counts for 50% of the final total.

The following components are assessed:

• Oral:
  The students  talk about authentic contemporary articles, do a role play, do a listening comprehension and hold a general conversation.  The aim of this component is to make them as fluent as possible in this context.
• Portfolio: 
  A representative sample of class and test work based on contemporary articles and some literature and audiovisual material.
• Written exam: 
  This component consists of two 2 hour exams testing comprehension and writing skills. There is no formal grammar test.

The thinking behind the French IEB syllabus is to equip the learners forreallife situations and to give them the skills to deal with modern French while enjoying the broadening experience of encountering another culture and context.

French, unlike many other subjects, is not simply a school discipline.  It is a skill which many students will find essential to them in their adult lives.  Senior classes tend to be small and students must expect to contribute extensively.  French is an enriching and demanding discipline which broadens perspectives and opportunities.

French department staff

Kate Byrne		Head of Department – French (BA Hons London, MA Grenoble)
Allison Scarr		(BA Hons UCT, HDipED UNISA)
J Bwasa		(BA Hons Bilza, DRC)