Introduction: The quantity of students taking L.C. French at Higher Level in DLS is way above the national average. As for the Junior Cert., it is a very accessible subject whose workload is not particularly heavy but from which very valuable points are earned. For those students wishing to have a foreign language solely as a third level entry requirement, French is very undemanding for the Ordinary level Leaving Cert. exam. Be conscious that student’s options can change dramatically and many find themselves, in 6th year, panicking because they suddenly find that a foreign language is required for their new choice.
Number of classes per week: 5
Course Outline: The syllabus aims to develop learners’ communicative skills in French, to develop their strategies for effective language learning and raise their awareness of cultural, social and political diversity.
Assessment: The syllabus aims to cater for a wide range of pupil ability. Assessment will be at Higher and Ordinary level.
Higher Level
Oral- 25%
(Topics for discussion include; myself, my family, my town, past times, what I did/will do on holidays, future career etc.)
Listening Comprehension- 20%
(Questions are asked in English and students must answer in English)
Reading Comprehension/ Compréhension Écrite – 30%
(2 comprehensions, 10 questions each to answer in French and the last question on both, question 6, has 2 parts and is asked in English so you must answer in English)
Writing/ Production Écrite – 25%
(Question 1 is compulsory and students answer2 other questions from a choice of Q. 2, Q.3, Q.4 which may include e-mail, diary entry, informal letter etc.
Ordinary Level
Oral – 20%
Listening Comprehension – 25%
(Same listening CD as Higher level, questions are usually easier & include several multiple choice questions)
Reading Comprehension/ Compréhension Écrite – 40%
(4 comprehensions, Q.1 & Q.2 are asked in English so answers are in English. Q.3 & Q.4 the questions are asked in French so you answer in French except for the last questions on both which are asked and answered in English.
Writing/ Production Écrite – 15%
(1 writing task from each of two of the options A, B & C which can include a cloze test, postcard, diary entry etc.)
Skills Required: motivated, creative, enthusiastic, independent learner
Future Job Prospects:
French can be useful for careers in the following areas: Air Steward, Air Traffic Controller, Business, Careers in Export, Chef, Courier, Hotel Management, Human Resources, International Marketing, Importer, Interpreter, Journalist, Librarian, Translator, International Driver, Pilot, Tourism, Travel Agent, Work in the Department of Foreign Affairs, etc.
A foreign language may be required for entry to colleges of the National University of Ireland i.e. UCC, UCD, NUI Galway and Maynooth.
A foreign language is required to become a Cadet in the Army or Air Corps.
