French

What is the subject about?

Leaving Certificate French builds on the knowledge acquired at Junior Cycle. The curriculum focuses on all four skills of language learning : Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. There will also be an emphasis on the sociocultural knowledge of French speaking nations (La Francophonie).

Curriculum Aims:

– Undertake the specified grammar and vocabulary topics assigned

– Develop speaking skills through oral practice in class

– Develop listening skills by undertaking different listening activities in the target language

– Encourage reading of real-life texts to improve reading skills and general vocabulary

– Improve free writing skills by practicing writing exercises

How is the subject assessed?

The French course comprises of two components at Higher Level and Ordinary Level:

I. Written Examination

The written examination takes place in June and lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes at both Higher and Ordinary Level.

Breakdown of Leaving Cert French Honours Paper (400 marks)

Aural 80 marks 20%

Comprehensions 120 marks 30%

Written Expressions 100 marks 25%

Oral 100 marks 25%

Breakdown of Leaving Cert French Ordinary Paper (400 marks)

Aural 100 marks 25%

Comprehensions 160 marks 40%

Written Expression 60 marks 15%

Oral 80 marks 20%

II. Oral Examination

Higher Level and Ordinary Level French require students to undertake an Oral Examination. This is a 12 minute conversation with an external examiner on topics relative to the age and interests of students. The themes include: hobbies, daily routine, my house, school as well as more abstract topics such as: social problems, the media and the advantages of language learning.

Additional Comments

– It is recommended that a student taking Leaving Certificate French has a general interest in language learning, culture and the arts

– Each student should have an aptitude and interest language acquisition

– The learning of a language can be achieved by steady work and is much helped by a period spent in France, if that is possible. A motivated, hard-working student can acquire a high standard of spoken and written French in the 2 years of Senior Cycle

– Reading French magazines, newspaper articles, listening to audio clips, watching video clips and looking at French websites will expose students to a wide variety of authentic content.

– In general, a O3 grade in the Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) in a foreign language is necessary for entry to the colleges in the National University of Ireland (NUI) – UCD, UCC, NUI Galway, NUI Maynooth, Pontifical University Maynooth and the Royal College of Surgeons. Though increasingly there are exceptions to this rule, particularly for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths degrees.

– Junior Certificate Modern Foreign Language is compulsory.

Career Opportunities

– Tourism

– Media

– Translator/ Interpreter

– International Law

– Education

– Embassy staff

– European and Irish Public Service

– International business

In all career areas employment prospects are much enhanced for graduates who have a good working knowledge of a European language especially in the post-Brexit era.