French

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French plays a major role on the world stage and is a language that connects people across continents. With around 300 million speakers globally, it is used in Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, North America and many other regions, making it one of the world’s most significant international languages. Learning French offers students valuable opportunities for travel, study and future employment, and it remains one of the most widely taught and respected languages in the UK. Knowledge of French can support pathways into a wide range of careers, including international business, diplomacy, tourism, education, healthcare and the arts. In an increasingly globalised world, employers highly value linguistic and intercultural skills, and French continues to be among the most in-demand languages in the job market. 

At Hendon School, French is taught through a dynamic and engaging curriculum that aims to inspire a love of languages while building strong communication skills. Lessons are carefully planned to meet the needs of all learners and make use of a wide range of activities and resources, including interactive tasks, digital platforms, role-play, songs, games and creative challenges. Students develop confidence in the four key skill areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing, while also gaining a solid understanding of grammar and vocabulary.

To enrich students’ cultural awareness, teachers regularly use authentic materials such as video clips, songs, film extracts, maps and real-life texts, helping students to explore French-speaking cultures from around the world and understand how language connects people globally.

Students receive weekly homework consisting of a range of activities to reinforce and extend classroom learning, such as vocabulary consolidation, grammar practice, reading and listening tasks, and short written or creative responses. These activities are designed to strengthen understanding, build confidence, and encourage the development of strong independent study habits.

Key Stage 3 and GCSE Pathway

In Year 7, students’ study two languages and have three lessons per fortnight for each language. Towards the end of the year, students choose which language they wish to continue with. From Year 8 onwards, students focus on their chosen language, and the GCSE French course begins in Year 9, providing a smooth and well-supported transition to examination study.

Across Key Stage 3, students build the foundations of French through a range of engaging topics, developing essential vocabulary, grammar knowledge and communication strategies that prepare them for success at GCSE and beyond.

French at Hendon School is not only about learning a language – it is about building confidence, curiosity and global awareness, while equipping students with skills that will benefit them for life.

Useful Links 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zjx947h - Reviewing essential topic-specific vocabulary and grammar

https://verbstrainer.netlify.app/ - Practice verb conjugation and build confidence and mastery in grammar