At the Under School, we believe that learning French serves a variety of purposes, both practical and enriching. Below is an overview of its key benefits.
French is spoken by over 300 million people across five continents, and it is an official language in over twenty countries and many international organisations, including the UN, EU and the Red Cross. For example, the two official languages of the Olympic Games are English and French! Proficiency in French can therefore enhance career prospects in international business, diplomacy, tourism, fashion, and more. Many multinational companies seek employees who can communicate in French. French opens access to prestigious universities and educational programmes in France and other French-speaking countries. It can also support academic research, as French is a key language in the fields of arts, humanities, and social sciences.
Understanding French also enables access to a rich heritage of literature, cinema, philosophy, art, and cuisine. Knowing French makes travel more enjoyable and immersive in French-speaking countries such as France, Canada, Switzerland, and various African nations. Last but not least, learning a second language improves memory, problem-solving skills, and cognitive flexibility. It promotes empathy, cultural awareness, and personal growth.
Curriculum
Pupils from the Under School proceed to their respective senior schools with a firm grounding in French. They develop a very sound knowledge of grammar that enables them to express themselves confidently orally and in writing.
Our pupils also develop as authentic an accent as possible during their time at WUS, and become used to hearing and understanding French, as spoken by native speakers. They acquire a broad vocabulary that enables them to express themselves fluently and to have the independence to use original sources such as magazine articles and the internet.
Flexibility and confidence in the use of language help our pupils to enjoy using the language and, in combination with the various trips, cross-curricular activities and the Francophile approach adopted in the classroom, inculcate an interest in France (and other French-speaking countries), its history, civilisation, and culture.
We believe that the appreciation of a modern foreign language and a country’s culture is a very important factor in the intellectual development of the pupils at the Under School.
Enrichment
- French breakfast (Juniors)
- BFI French workshop (Year 5), including films, cartoons, and clips
- Eurovision House Competition and Concert, coupled with the study of French songs in lessons, and French Christmas carols
- Normandy trip (Year 7 and 8)
- French Library
- French newspaper / magazine, with articles written by our pupils
- French Clinic, offering support for pupils where required
- French post-examinations programme (Year 8), including the exploration of French idioms, songs, current affairs, projects, debates, and the introduction of other modern foreign languages, such as Spanish and German.
Departmental Staff
Mr Benedict Dunhill
— Acting Deputy Master; Head of Expansion
Mr Gwenaël Gougay
— House Master of Tudors
Ms Eugénie Monville
Mr Samuel Thébaud
— Head of French
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“French is one of my favourite subjects, where we receive an endless amount of knowledge, in extremely fun ways. We get to do all sorts of amazing activities as we pursue our love for languages. Our French teachers are also wonderful, making the lessons all the more fun.”
— Samarth, Year 3 pupil
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“French at WUS in Year 8 is taught to a very high standard, encouraging pupils to challenge themselves not just in the classroom, but also outside.”
— Vihaan, Year 8 pupil
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“Impossible n’est pas français!”
— Samuel Thébaud, Head of French
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