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Why study French?
Learning a new language allows you to connect with different people and their cultures. The ability to use language is at the centre of thinking. You reflect, communicate and develop ideas through language.
French is the second most popular learned language in the world after English, and is spoken in around 30 countries. These include: Belgium, Canada, Switzerland and many countries in central and north Africa. It is one of the official languages of the European Union.
It is a valuable second language in many different career areas and, of course, is useful when you are on holiday or travelling in France and other French-speaking countries.
What do I need to get in?
Entry is at the discretion of the school or college. You would normally have achieved:
What will I study?
This course offers you the chance to develop skills in reading, listening, talking and writing in French, important for learning, work and life. You will also learn to understand how language works and how to get across information and ideas.
You will study a wide range of different types of texts in different media. You will also learn to think critically, creatively and develop cultural awareness.
The course has two compulsory units, plus an added value unit that assesses your practical skills
French: Understanding Language (9 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
- develop reading and listening skills in French
- develop your knowledge of straightforward French in the contexts of society, learning, employability and culture.
French: Using Language (9 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
- develop talking and writing skills in French
- develop your knowledge of straightforward French in the contexts of society, learning, employability and culture.
Added Value Unit: French Assignment (6 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
- select relevant information from at least two written texts
- make a spoken presentation in French, and respond appropriately to questions in French.
How will I be assessed?
Your teacher or tutor will assess your work on an ongoing basis throughout the course. Items of work might include:
- practical work – reading, speaking or listening to texts
- written work – producing straightforward texts or reports.
You must pass both units plus the added value unit to gain the course qualification.
What can I go on to next?
If you complete the course successfully, it may lead to:
Further study, training or employment in:
Where can my parents find out more?
Your school will give your parents an Options or Choices information booklet, which has detailed information on the curriculum and the individual subjects or courses you can study. It will also invite them along to a Parents’ Information Evening.
They can also read the information leaflet(s):
Nationals in a Nutshell - Modern Languages (National 4)