French at Yardley Court

Vive la France! Vive le français?

French at Yardley Court has a privileged and prized position alongside the core subjects as all the boys have the opportunity to learn the language from 7 years of age.

From this early age we endeavour to instil an enjoyment and love of French by encouraging the spoken language through many of the dynamic interactive methods at our disposal. We have recently introduced Comete 1 and 2 to Years Three and Four which break with the more conventional and highly structured methodologies. Through the exciting adventures of Neo the Martian the pupils are able to appreciate the complexities of learning another language in a fun and engaging way and learn the rudiments of French pronunciation through very accessible and relevant language.

Throughout the school we have access to the very latest in language teaching technology. We have installed exciting and stimulating interactive computer programs which capitalise on the ease with which pupils learn through games, three dimensional stories and other computer compatible programs.

We also endeavour to bring the language to life through the latest reggae and rap songs from the francophone countries as well as the more traditional French rhymes. To these resources we have added a collection of French films suitable for children and magazines especially designed to teach language at the various levels using topical subjects from around the globe.

All our teaching is now supplemented by dynamic new programs especially created for the interactive whiteboard and we have access to the Internet within the classroom. Finally, our classroom teaching comes alive on the boys' annual trip to France to either Paris or Saint Omer and through trips to Boulogne.

At the upper end of the school the boys are prepared with vigour for scholarship and Common Entrance exams. It is hoped that by this time they are able to speak and write competently about topics which relate directly to their lives: family, home, school routine, leisure activities, and holidays.

By way of summary, our emphasis is on learning French in a way that incorporates fun, vitality and humour without sacrificing academic standards. More than anything else we want our boys to develop a love of language as a means of communication and a way of opening doors to a more diverse and interesting world.

French offers an experience of the best in language learning by being, not only one of the most beautiful spoken languages in the world, but by also being a vehicle to a rich and multifaceted culture and to a quality of life and 'joie de vivre' that promise to greatly enrich our pupils' lives.

Qu'on s'amuse en apprenant le Français!