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French

At Invicta, we are passionate about Modern Foreign languages which explains why languages are a core subject at GCSE in our rich curriculum. In French, our students are taught by teachers who are all experienced linguists. They have weekly speaking practice sessions with our dedicated Foreign Language Assistant who is a French native speaker.  All members of Staff strive to deliver outstanding lessons where the language, in all its forms, becomes alive and is relevant to young people’s lives.  Throughout their linguistic journey, students will become not only proficient in all four skills (listening, reading, speaking and writing) but will grow as a person by developing a wide range of skills such as communication skills, resilience, confidence, problem solving along with improving their memory skills. At A Level, students can deepen their learning and passion for the subject through studying literature, cinema, history and current affairs from the French speaking world. This advanced study enables them to understand and converse in French with a high level of proficiency and supports their understanding of other subjects by widening their perspectives. 

In French, we constantly look for opportunities to nurture students’ curiosity by raising their cultural awareness through our “Passeport culturel” initiative whereby students research aspects of the French speaking world and produce a range of tasks like French cooking or painting in the style of famous French speaking artist, etc. As we believe that learning does not stop at the classroom door, we are committed to provide a wealth of opportunities beyond the timetabled lessons ranging from our lunchtime club or our after school French film club to the Anthea Bell prize for young translators competition organised by Oxford university. We also attend the Model United Nations conference in Geneva where our A Level students participate as interpreters. We intend to enrich our students’ learning experience by providing them with exciting authentic reading material through our magazine subscriptions, 1jour1actu and Kezako, which aim to improve their understanding of the world, their general knowledge and their ability to make connections between their study of French and other aspects of the curriculum. Finally, we firmly believe that broadening our students’ horizon is crucial so we ensure that our students can take part in either exchange trips and/or projects organised in collaboration with partner schools in France.

Key Stage 3

It is a joy to see Year 7 students embark on their language learning journey. We strive to nurture their eagerness and thirst for cultural awareness by teaching them how to talk about themselves and describe their world (school, hobbies, interest, their friends and family). Using topics relevant to their daily lives we are able to show our students what it takes to learn a language and discover a new culture so that they can set off on their 5 year journey with confidence. All our Year 7 students take part in an exciting competition called Eurovicta, based on the famous Eurovision song contest. Students develop multiple skills through these opportunities as they take leadership roles, work on their teamwork and step out of their comfort zone to put on a fantastic performance singing a real pop song in French and performed a dance which they will have choreographed in front of their peers. Every year we are always delighted by the quality of their performances. At the end of Year 7, students can look back proudly with a huge sense of achievement.  

In Year 8, we strengthen the prior learning by revisiting key concepts and put more emphasis on tenses. Year 8 students start learning about past tense and revisit the future tense throughout the year by interleaving the tenses so once they have been introduced and practised, they are reviewed and consolidated in different contexts so that students are encouraged to make links. Our topics are still relevant to their daily lives so that students can express their ideas based on their own experiences. We encourage our students to take part in several opportunities outside the classroom such as poetry reciting and a translation competition organised by Oxford. They also have the opportunity to attend our French film club.  

Topics Covered

Year 7 

  • C’est la rentrée – basic information about me, what I like, introduction to French phonics. 
  • Mon collège – My school (my subjects, my uniform, my day, etc.) 
  • Mon temps libre – Hobbies (sports/ activities) 
  • Ma famille – my family 
  • Ma ville, en ville - where I live and in town  
  • Revision  

Year 8 

  • Vive les vacances! Talking about holidays in general and a past holiday. 
  • J’adore les fêtes! Talking about festivals. 
  • Les loisirs – talking about hobbies ( tv, technology, musique, etc.) 
  • Le monde est petit – talking about where you live (your region, your house, your routine) 
  • Le sport en direct – talking about sport. 
     

Timetable

Over a fortnightly timetable, students receive:

  • 5 hours of guided classroom learning
  • 4 x 10 minutes of guided independent homework 

Enrichment and Extra-Curricular

Read

Workbooks based on our textbook to reinforce what it is taught in lessons 

  • Cahier d’exercice A Dynamo 1 – ISBN 9781292248943 
  • Cahier d’exercice B Dynamo 1 – ISBN 9781292248950 
  • Cahier d’exercice  Dynamo 2 ROUGE – ISBN 9781292248974 

What to read : Ask your French teacher to borrow a book from our library. Here is a sample of what you can find. 

  • Tchoupi dans la nuit - ISBN 9782092537237.  A story about a little boy who discover the world at night.  
  • Petit Ours Brun Joue dans le sable. - ISBN 9782227748064. The story of Little Brown bear who plays in the sand. 
  • Martine. A French classic! A series of books that follow Martine’s adventures. 
  • La petite poule rousse. Another classic for children. 

OR you can read online: https://www.1jour1actu.com/  

Websites 

  • https://uk.language-gym.com/ - interactive website to help practice vocabulary learning, reading and listening comprehension as well as verb conjugation. 
  • https://quizlet.com - interactive website to help you learn the vocabulary. 
  • http://zut.languageskills.co.uk/index.html - good source of interactive activities to practise a variety of skills – Free to use outside school hours ( before 9 am and after 4pm) 
  • http://www.lepetitquotidien.fr/dossiers-thematiques - (6-10 years old). An authentic newspaper for young French readers. Suitable to challenge any keen linguists who want to read for pleasure about what’s happening in the world. Some part of this website require to subscribe but a good amount of articles are available for free. Worth exploring! 

To Watch

Here are a short selection of films you will love.  

  • Kirikou et la sorcière 
  • Une vie de chat 
  • Le petit Nicolas  

To Listen 

https://hit-parade.net/categorie/14/variete-francaise/annees-2020 Most popular music in French last year.  
https://www.1jour1actu.com/podcasts French podcasts for children. 

To Research

  • The French speaking world:  https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zw9rcdm/revision/1  
  • Why is French one of the official language in the Olympics games?  
  • In which other global organisation if French one of the official language ? 
  • Can you find 10 interesting fact about France and/or the French speaking world ?  

To Visit 

Useful tips   

  • Take the time to reflect on your mistakes to understand what went wrong and what you can learn by correcting them, this will improve the accuracy of the notes from which you are revising and give you next steps for moving forward. 
  • Learn vocabulary little and often by listening to and repeating the word aloud, then practising the spelling 
  • Practise your phonics https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zx3xwnb  
  • Invest time in learning verb endings patterns off by heart so you can use a range of verbs and mention other people, it will add breadth in your speaking and writing. 

Extra activities

  • Lunchtime club 
  • After-school film club 
  • Mentoring opportunities  
  • French POP 
  • Oxford translation competition  
  • Eurovicta – singing competition 
  • European Day of Languages event 
  • Trips

 

 

Year 9 - Foundation Year

Our Foundation Year curriculum aims to consolidate KS3 learning and to bring the culture of the French speaking societies alive as well as deepen students' knowledge and understanding of topics and global issues as detailed below.

Our students will continue their learning journey, developing their skills and improving their fluency and accuracy. They will have the opportunity to find out about celebrities from the world of music, cinema and sport. Our curriculum will also aim to raise awareness of global issues such as the protection of the environment through the study of Yann Arthus-Bertrand's work among other media and resources. Students will then be able to progress through to their GCSE course in Year 10 and Year 11 having acquired sound knowledge and skills which will enable them to master the French language and be successful language learners.

Topics Covered

Role Models 

Qui est-ce que tu admires ?

  • Role models
  • Family
  • Friends
     

Leisure

Quel est ton sportif/ chanteur / acteur / influenceur  préféré?

  • Sports 
  • Your life online 
  • Reading 
  • Television 
  • Cinema 
     

Global Issues

Qui est Yann Arthus Bertrand ?

  • Key environmental issues
  • Potential solutions
  • Environmental activists
  • Daily routine & house
     

Timetable

Over a fortnightly timetable, students receive:

  • 5 hours of guided classroom learning
  • 4 x 10 minutes of guided independent homework

Enrichment and Extra Curricular

To Read

Studio - Grammar and Translation workbook ISBN 978129213288-4 

Ask your French teacher recommend a book from our Library. We have a great selection of books and authentic magazines. Our books includes the work of key authors such as Pagnol or Molière in French but also some French classics translated into English so that if a Year 9 student is a keen reader and wants to explore French literature but as not got the linguist skills yet to fully appreciate the story in the target language, they can still delve into the wonderful world of French literature.  

OR you can read online: 

  •  http://www.monquotidien.fr/dossiers-thematiques/tous-les-themes/    (10-14years old) An authentic newspaper for young French readers. Suitable to challenge any keen linguists who want to read for pleasure about what’s happening in the world. Some part of this website require to subscribe but a good amount of articles are available for free. Worth exploring! 

Websites 

To Watch

To Listen

To Research

To Visit 

Extra activities 

  • Lunchtime club 
  • After school film club 
  • Mentoring opportunities  
  • French POP 
  • Oxford translation competition  
  • European Day of Languages event 
  • Trips 

 

Key Stage 4

Our students embark on their GCSE course in Year 10, having had a strong Foundation course in Year 9, meaning that they are ready to take on board the challenges of the French GCSE. We have an exciting course where students get to explore topics beyond their daily life and start looking onto 'big world' and 'key global' issues which allow them to grow personally, and as a citizen of the world, by reflecting on their own; healthy behaviours, environmental issues and human crisis such as poverty. Not only will this deepen their understanding and add breadth to their views but also prepare them for the next step in their language journey that is the French A Level! During the GCSE course, students are encouraged to become mentors for younger learners and to take part in opportunities such as our Academic Hub, French club and French film club to support our rich curriculum.

Exam board/Qualification:   AQA French

  • 4 Papers: Listening, Reading (including translation into English), Writing (including translation into French) and Speaking (role play, picture based discussion and general conversation).             

Topics Covered

Year 10 

  • De la ville à la campagne – My region / local environment
  • Le grand large – Holidays
  • Au collége – School
  • Une vie saine – Healthy lifestyle

Year 11 

  • Bon travail – Current and future study, and employment
  • Un oeil sur le monde – Global issues (poverty/ environment, etc.)
  • Revision and exam preparation
     

Timetable:

Over a fortnightly timetable, students receive:

  • 5 hours of guided classroom learning
  • 6 x 10 minutes of guided independent homework, plus 1 x 30 minute piece

Enrichment and Extra Curricular

  • Studio GCSE – Pearson , with ActiveLearn
  • Studio AQA GCSE French Grammar & Translation workbook  - Stuart Glover- ISBN 978129213288
  • AQA GCSE textbook – Oxford University Press. 

To Read

Ask your French teacher to recommend a book from our Library. We have a great selection of books and authentic magazines. Our books include the work of key authors such as Pagnol or Molière, in French, but also some French classics translated into English.

OR you can read online:

  •  https://www.1jour1actu.com/ 
  •  http://www.monquotidien.fr/dossiers-thematiques/tous-les-themes/    (10-14years old) An authentic newspaper for young French readers. Suitable to challenge any keen linguists who want to read for pleasure about what’s happening in the world. Some part of this website require to subscribe but a good amount of articles are available for free. Worth exploring!
  • https://quellehistoire.com/ressources-pedagogiques/  a series of texts about a range of key figures with quizzes to check you understanding of the text.
  • If you are considering doing a French A-level, start reading books from the y12 reading lists, such as :
    • Françoise Sagan, Bonjour tristesse
    • Joseph Joffo, un sac de billes
    • Delphine de Vigan, No et moi

Websites

To Watch

To Listen

To Research

To Visit


Extra Activities

  • Lunchtime club
  • After school film club
  • Mentoring opportunities
  • French POP 
  • Oxford translation competition
  • European day of Languages event
  • Trips

Key Stage 5

Studying French at A Level, students embark on a fascinating course through which they will explore the diversity of the French speaking world that spreads over 5 continents and 29 countries. Our carefully planned curriculum aims to expose our students to a plethora of authentic materials to raise their cultural awareness and to equip them so that they are able to communicate effectively in a variety of contexts. Students will research, discuss and debate many topics relevant to their interests and the world in which they live. Our students will delve into French literature through the study of a French classic and look back at the end of the course with a huge sense of achievement and a much better understanding of French history and society. Students will also develop their analytical skills through the study of un Long Dimanche de fiançailles, directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, a key figure in French cinema.

We are proud to offer a course that will help our students grow as well-rounded and open-minded citizens of a global world. Our students also complete an Independent Research Project during which they particularly appreciate how they can make connections with their other interests and/or subjects, may it be Politics, History, the Arts, Science, Business, Law or Medicine, to name but a few.  

Studying A Level French will open so many doors and opportunities as students will be able develop a wide range of skills that are transferable and highly sought-after by universities and employers. France has a strong multinational presence in a range of sectors and industries and having a French A Level will give you an advantage for a variety of careers: Aerospace and Engineering, Energy, Luxury goods, Medicine, Finance, Gaming Industry, Law and Diplomacy.

Examination Board/Qualification:  AQA  A Level

  • Paper 1 : Listening, Reading and Writing – 2 hours 30 – 50% of A Level
  • Paper 2 : Writing – 2 hours – 20% of A Level
  • Paper 3 : Speaking – 21-23 minutes (including 5 minutes preparation time) – 30 % of A Level

Topics Covered

Year 12 

  • La famille - family
  • Le patrimoine - heritage
  • La cyber-société – cyber-society
  • La musique - music
  • Le bénévolat - volunteering
  • Le cinema – cinema

Year 13 

  • Une société diverse – Positive features of a diverse society
  • Quelle vie pour les marginalisés? Life for the marginalised
  • La criminalité – How criminals are treated.
  • La politique – Politics
  • À qui le pouvoir? Who holds power?
  • La politique et l’immigration – Politics and immigration
  • Individual research project
     

Timetable

Over a fortnightly timetable, students receive:

  • 8 hours of guided classroom learning
  • 2 hours of guided independent study
  • 10 hours of guided independent homework

Enrichment and Extra Curricular

Quizlet – to continue to learn a wide range of sophisticated and specific vocabulary
Kerboodle – to develop your listening skill more independently
Hodder -  AQA A-level French (includes AS) textbook -  ISBN: 9781471857959
Wordreference (online bilingual dictionary) https://www.wordreference.com/
Language gym – to practise advance grammar and vocabulary https://uk.language-gym.com/

To Read

To Listen

To Watch

  • Yale Course: A Nation? Peasants, Language, and French Identity  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEBaGmF9ocA
  • Quelle histoire! A series of short videos about key figures from around the world in French : here is one example about Louis Pasteur : https://youtu.be/ZzD-OlxLFIM
  • Films and series :
    • Le Roi danse – to learn about Louis XIV and the historical background of Le Tartuffe
    • Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amelie Poulain – Jeunet
    • La cite des enfants perdus – Jeunet
    • Welcome – Lioret – to understand the struggles of immigrants in the North of France waiting to come to England.
    • Lupin – on Netflix
    • Call my agent – on Netflix

To Research

Extra Activities 

  • Lunchtime club
  • Film club - Tuesday after school
  • Oxford Translation competition
  • Mentoring opportunities
  • French POP
  • MUN conference in Geneva
  • Trips/exchanges

Careers

We have a wealth of information on our Careers page - Please click here to visit. 

Twitter Wall

Twitter Wall

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04/09/24

Join us for an exciting series of Transition Workshops this term, ranging from Young Philosophers to Music and Science. Spaces are limited, so be sure to secure your spot today by booking through our Eventbrite page via the link below!https://t.co/0P43MLFL8P#TransitionWorkshop pic.twitter.com/lEceBcnwRK

21/06/24

Betsy Ellis from has won the Future in Aviation Award. Congratulations Betsy! pic.twitter.com/WVK4L1LSDE

21/06/24

Winner of the Junior Science Award is Taliah Rothschild from . Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/3IhcXuCOAF

04/06/24

We are currently recruiting for several support staff positions.If you're passionate about education and looking to make a difference, we want to hear from you!To apply, please visit our website or follow the link below:https://t.co/Wp92LBvxMR pic.twitter.com/AKPSnemZDI

10/05/24

Last week, our Orchestra had their final rehearsal before Year 13 began their study leave, marking the occasion with a photo capturing all the instruments in harmony🎼We look forward to welcoming back the full Orchestra with the Year 13 members for the upcoming Summer Concert! pic.twitter.com/Am4loN20Vk

09/05/24

Only a few hours left until Year 8, Year 9 and Year 10 take on the Maidstone Football Finals at the Gallagher Stadium tonight! - Our Year 7 team will be playing in two weeks.Year 8 Kick Off: 3:45pmYear 9 Kick Off: 5:30pmYear 10 Kick Off: 6:45pmWe hope to see you there🌟 pic.twitter.com/RnVjcild4T

29/04/24

We are proud to announce this year's production will be James and the Giant Peach! 🍑Rehearsals are underway, and we can't wait to bring this beloved story to life on stage. Keep your eyes peeled as we will be sharing sneak peeks of rehearsals in the coming weeks!#RoaldDahl pic.twitter.com/umRTEJFoC0

09/04/24

With Earth Day less than two weeks away, here are some ways to be more eco-friendly and better look after our Earth!#EarthDay pic.twitter.com/2wpO09fPoq

21/03/24

Spring has sprung at Invicta and yesterday our Year 7 and 8 POP Photography students enjoyed the first day of spring by focussing on natural textures!#Photography pic.twitter.com/VXK4Zh7tNz

20/03/24

KS2 enjoyed participating in language workshops on Tuesday morning, focusing on German, French and Spanish with some students from pic.twitter.com/seA6XOjMYz

20/03/24

KS2 enjoyed participating in language workshops on Tuesday morning, focusing on German, French and Spanish with some students from pic.twitter.com/seA6XOjMYz

14/03/24

Today is International Day of Mathematics🎉 At Invicta, we're passionate about empowering our students with the boundless potential of mathematics both in and outside the classroom! Join us as we discover the magic of numbers in everyday life! pic.twitter.com/uhDfB1ToUy

12/03/24

Last week marked a significant moment in Invicta's history as we gathered for our whole school photo, a rare event that takes place only once every 7 years. Here are some behind-the-scenes photos from the day, showcasing the infectious excitement and sense of community! pic.twitter.com/Y5RDLffV0C

08/03/24

Today we are capturing a moment in time with a whole school photo!📸 pic.twitter.com/Hya2nGJX2H

04/03/24

Students had a fantastic time during last week's POP sessions (Personal Opportunities Program)!We saw students engage with a host of new and familiar favourite activities including, Chess, Coding, Minecraft, Photography, Yoga, Crochet, Nature Walks and so many more! pic.twitter.com/bSmEMQ0Yo5

29/02/24

Our upcoming non-uniform day supports FIGS, our parent-teacher association. The theme is "Be Active!" It's a day to dress sporty and promote physical activity and wellness.Let's show our support for FIGS while staying active and healthy!#NonUniform pic.twitter.com/MZ6ljDx4TN

26/02/24

I had a lovely morning visit to today. The year 8s have been studying the movement & some of the specific stories I explore in my book, of Kent. It was lovely to talk about who grew up in pic.twitter.com/e5GiWrX4zb

26/02/24

I had a lovely morning visit to today. The year 8s have been studying the movement & some of the specific stories I explore in my book, of Kent. It was lovely to talk about who grew up in pic.twitter.com/e5GiWrX4zb

21/02/24

World Book Day is just over 2 weeks away now!What are some of your favourite books that you've read so far this year, who are your favourite authors... We'd love to hear your thoughts on reading, books and literature!#WorldBookDay pic.twitter.com/tZnX6Fd8WS

21/02/24

Join us for fab line up of Live Talks for 4-9 Mar delivered by at https://t.co/3zmmUzLLnQ pic.twitter.com/G7sQFjiTQf

21/02/24

Join us for fab line up of Live Talks for 4-9 Mar delivered by at https://t.co/3zmmUzLLnQ pic.twitter.com/G7sQFjiTQf

19/02/24

Last term, our Year 9 photographers explored aperture, depth of field and composition in their work to create these stunning photographs of miniature cars, inspired by the works of Kim Leuenberger! pic.twitter.com/jYOG8pXoS1

06/02/24

We currently have several vacancies available including a Teacher of MFL Spanish, a Receptionist and a Careers Advisor.If you are looking to join a friendly and encouraging team, please submit an application using the link below!https://t.co/Wp92LBuZXj pic.twitter.com/mLyLvveSza

30/01/24

Last week marked the Primary Literacy Challenge! Thanks to all the teams who attended, we hope you had a great time! See you at our Primary STEM challenge next term! Congratulations to for winning! 🏆🎉 pic.twitter.com/ILU5YmABv1

30/01/24

A reminder to students and parents that next Monday, 5 February is a non-uniform day and students are encouraged to wear something blue or nature-themed if they have items in their wardrobe to support and raise awareness for The Marine Conservation Society 💙 pic.twitter.com/bNElZCXC2h