French
Subject : French
Level : Junior Cycle
Teacher : Deirdre O’ Shea, Rachel Stewart, Orlaith Ringrose, Angela McNamara
Brief overview of the subject:
The study of a modern foreign language such as French enables students to build on their language learning in English and Irish in primary school and further develops their skills in and enjoyment of using languages. Language learning is accessible to all students and contributes to their cognitive, personal and social growth by enhancing their communicative and thinking skills, as well as their participation in a global society.
In learning foreign languages, students are actively engaged in activities and tasks which integrate the five language skills of listening, reading, spoken production, spoken interaction and writing. As a result, they communicate with increasing independence, confidence and creativity.
Main areas of study:
STRAND 1: Communicative Competence
Communicative competence is concerned with developing students’ ability to communicate meaningfully in the target language. This strand incorporates five elements, representing the five language skills of listening, reading, spoken production, spoken interaction and writing.
STRAND 2: Language Awareness
Language awareness enhances the students’ general awareness about languages, and incorporates the three elements of reflecting on how the target language works, comparing the target language with other languages students know, and reflecting on their own language-learning strategies
STRAND 3: Socio-Cultural Knowledge and Intercultural awareness
Socio-cultural knowledge and intercultural awareness, gives students access to new cultural dimensions and encourages them to reflect on their own culture. The three elements of this strand develop students’ knowledge of the countries and cultures related to the target languages, and enable them to make comparisons with their own country and culture.
CBA’s and Assessment Task:
CBA1= Oral Communication Task
In completing the oral communication activity, students may use any one of the following formats: interview, role-play, presentation (accompanied by a question-and-answer session), or conversation in response to stimulus material.
CBA2= The Student Language Portfolio
Over the three years of junior cycle, each student develops a language portfolio. The student language portfolio will include a broad range of items, such as written texts, projects, audio-visual materials, learning logs, student reflections and learning goals. It is recognised that in this context the student’s created texts may be presented in different formats—handwritten, digital, multi-modal, and so on.
Students complete a formal written Assessment Task to be submitted to the State Examinations Commission for marking along with the final examination for modern foreign languages. It is allocated 10% of the marks used to determine the grade awarded by the State Examinations Commission.
Link to syllabus :
https://curriculumonline.ie/Junior-cycle/Junior-Cycle-Subjects/Modern-Foreign-Languages/
Department Members:
Deirdre O’ Shea
Rachel Stewart
Orlaith Ringrose
Angela McNamara
Textbooks for Current cohort for Relevant Year groups:
Bienvenue 1 & 2
J’écoute, je lis, j’écris
Je Comprends Bien Audio Book
Exam Papers
Other required material:
Dictionary
Hardback A4 Copy as Portfolio
Useful Websites and Online Resources:
Duolingo
www.wordreference.com