French

French is introduced in Year 1 and is taught with a lively oral approach in Pre-Prep. The aim is to develop an ear for the language and take advantage of the ability of young children to mimic what they hear. From this, they begin to understand and reproduce vocabulary and expressions in an authentic accent.

It is hoped that, from September 2010, there will also be short, weekly sessions in both Reception and Nursery, where the boys and girls will learn some traditional French songs and become used to the idea of a multicultural and multi-lingual world, as well as being encouraged at a very young age to assimilate authentic pronunciation and intonation in a foreign language.

In the Prep Department, the children learn to read and write in French, as well as continuing to expand their oral skills. Whilst maintaining the fun of the subject, they establish a soundly structured framework of elementary grammar and practise transferable language learning skills.

They are taught with a variety of audio-visual methods using songs, games and computer technology and Promethean whiteboards, as well as traditional teaching methods.

Outside the classroom, there are special events in each year of the Prep School to promote enthusiasm for the language as well as intercultural understanding.  Year 3 enjoy a French breakfast, where they ask for their food and drink in French; Year 4 have a project on menus, restaurant dialogue and recipes, culminating in a French lunch which they cook for their parents and serve to them in French.  Year 5 are involved in a poetry speaking competition and festival, focusing on accent and intonation, whilst Year 6 spend a week away together in Normandy, absorbing the cultural differences and trying out their spoken French in the market and shops.

Déjeuner à la française avec Chef Raymond Blanc

Celebrity Chef, Raymond Blanc, leaves his Michelin-starred restaurant “Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saison” to visit our ‘Manoir’, showing Year 4 girls how to make the best Tarte Tatin, then enjoying lunch cooked by the children and served to him in French !

Follow this link to watch the video of his visit and see the after-lunch entertainment laid on by Years 4 and 6.

Monica Hyde, French Subject Leader