Our aims are to interest and motivate pupils and to ensure that they receive all the support needed to achieve outstanding examination results relating to their ability.

Pupils learn French as a compulsory subject until the IIIrd form. Thereafter, they can, at their option, choose to take it at G.C.S.E, AS and A2 Levels.

Although the emphasis of the exam syllabus today is on communication, St John’s strongly believes that the teaching of grammar must play an important part in the language classroom. Of course, it is necessary to know how to order in a French restaurant, describe one’s home and aspects of one’s family and country. Equally, however, we must not fail to grasp the essentials of the language that will give us the knowledge and the ability to take on and enjoy French literature at the highest level of effectiveness in order to join prestigious universities.

The VIth form course in French aims to develop further the four skills of comprehension and expression, both written and spoken. Literature, general civilisation and various aspects of the society as well as current affairs are included in pupils’ studies.

The ‘A’ level examination includes a range of linguistic exercises such as listening and reading, essay writing, an oral prepared topic, interpreting/ debating of issues, translations and coursework.

The French department aims to blend the study of the language with a knowledge and appreciation of its culture. Every year, the French department organises a cultural and linguistic trip to Paris or the Opal Coast.

In addition to the above, a French club is run according to pupils’ needs either for fun or as part of the Duke of Edinburgh award and cinema trips at the Cine Lumiere, in the French Institute are also very popular among Sixth form students.