French (Version 8.4)

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Context statement

The place of the French language and culture in Australia and in the world
French is a major world language, spoken as the first language in more than two dozen countries on five continents and as an official language in 33 countries.

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PDF documents

Resources and support materials for the Australian Curriculum: Languages - French are available as PDF documents. 
Languages - French: Sequence of content
Languages - French: Sequence of Achievement - F-10 Sequence
Languages - French: Sequence of …

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Years 7 and 8

Years 7 and 8 Band Description

The nature of the learners

Students are beginning their study of French and typically have had little prior exposure to the language and associated cultures. Many will have learnt an additional language in primary school, some have proficiency in different home languages and bring existing language learning strategies and intercultural awareness to the new experience of learning French. Students’ textual knowledge developed through English literacy learning supports the development of literacy in French. Skills in analysing, comparing and reflecting on language and culture in both languages are mutually supportive. Students may need encouragement to take risks in learning a new language at this stage of social development and to consider issues of how the experience impacts on the sense of ‘norms’ associated with their first language and culture.

French language learning and use

Learners are encouraged to listen to, speak, read and write French in a range of interactions with the teacher and each other. They use the language for interactions and transactions, for practising language forms, for developing cultural knowledge and for intercultural exchange. There is code mixing and code switching, as learners use all available resources to make meaning and express themselves. They use English when they need to, with teachers modelling back the French that would have served the required purpose. Rich and varied language input characterises this first level of learning, supported by the use of gestures, vocal and facial expression, and concrete materials. Learners experiment with sounds, intonation patterns and body language, using high-frequency words and expressions, gradually broadening their range of language functions. They notice how French is used differently in different contexts and how French speakers communicate in ways that may be different to their own. As they adjust language use to suit different purposes, contexts and situations, they notice how culture shapes language. Learners work collaboratively and independently. They pool language knowledge and resources, plan, problem-solve, monitor and reflect. They make cross-curricular connections and explore intercultural perspectives. They focus on the different systems (grammar, vocabulary, sounds) that structure language use, and reflect on their experience as French language learners and users. They gradually build a vocabulary and grammatical base that allows them to compose and present different kinds of simple texts.

Contexts of interaction

The French classroom is the primary context for language and culture experience, with ICT resources and community links providing access to additional resources and experiences. Learners may communicate with peers in France or other francophone contexts using teacher-guided ICT resources such as wikis, emails or online chat. They may also access French-language events or resources in the wider community, such as interschool activities, film festivals or cultural performances.

Texts and resources

Learners work with a range of texts designed for language learning, such as textbooks, audio recordings, teacher-generated materials and online resources. They also use materials designed for French students in different contexts (for example, blogs, newsletters, advertisements, magazines, video clips and apps). Authentic texts from different sources provide opportunities for discussion and analysis of the relationship between communication and culture.

Features of French language use

Students become familiar with the sounds of French, including pronunciation, rhythm, pitch and stress. They recognise similarities with many English words, noting differences in pronunciation (attention, menu). They approximate the pronunciation and phrasing of single words and short phrases, including vowel sounds such as -eau, -on, -ère and u, and unfamiliar consonants such as r and soft g. They understand and apply elements of French grammar such as subject-verb-object word order, simple verb forms, gender and number agreement of nouns and adjectives, pronouns and prepositions. Students understand that language is organised as text, and that texts use different structures and language features to achieve different purposes. They create their own texts, mainly using the present tense of regular and common irregular verbs, enriched by the use of adjectives and adverbs. They understand that language use reflects and shapes values and attitudes, and explore how language choices determine how people, events or circumstances are represented.

Level of support

Learning at this level is supported by rich and varied language input and the provision of experiences that are challenging but achievable. Support includes scaffolding, modelling and monitoring; explicit instruction and feedback; structured opportunities for understanding and practising new language; and the chance to revisit, recycle and review. Learners need access to a range of engaging and accessible support resources and materials, including print and digital texts, audio recordings, word banks, graphic organisers and dictionaries.

The role of English

Learners are supported to use French as much as possible for classroom routines and interactions, structured learning tasks, and language experimentation and practice. English is used for discussion, clarification, explanation, analysis and reflection. Learners develop a metalanguage for thinking and talking about language, culture and identity, and about the experience of learning and using French.


Years 7 and 8 Content Descriptions

Socialising

Interact with peers and teacher to exchange information and opinions, talk about self, family, friends and interests, and express feelings, likes and dislikes

[Key concepts: family, friendship, home; Key processes: interacting, describing] (ACLFRC091 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • exchanging greetings, wishes and thanks, adjusting language to suit the situation, for example, Bonjour, la classe! Salut, Marianne, ça va? Bonsoir, Madame Legrand, comment allez-vous? Bonne fête, Solange! Merci bien, Maman
  • introducing and describing self and others, for example, je m’appelle Marc; je te présente mon oncle; voici ma petite sœur, Eliane; je m’appelle Sophie, j’ai les yeux bleus, j’aime les sports
  • using present tense high-frequency verbs such as être, avoir and aimer with adjectives, adverbs and simple formulaic expressions to talk about self and others, for example, je te présente mon copain, Henri, il est drôle! elle est si douée! Nous voici — la famille Mercier!
  • comparing routines, interests and leisure activities, using language associated with time, frequency and location, for example, lundi après-midi, je fais du foot; le weekend, je joue aux jeux vidéos; l’hiver, je fais du ski; l’été, on va souvent à la plage
  • stating likes, dislikes and preferences, for example, j’aime bien le fromage mais je n’aime pas le yaourt; je déteste les prunes mais j’adore les pruneaux
Participate in collaborative activities such as performances and presentations that involve planning, making arrangements, transacting and negotiating

[Key concepts: tasks, performance, transaction, collaborative learning; Key processes: planning and managing tasks, acting] (ACLFRC092 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Numeracy
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Capability
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • collaboratively creating computer-generated designs such as a virtual ideal home or leisure centre, negotiating with each other in relation to different elements and priorities, for example, Moi, je voudrais une salle média immense…, ah non, moi je préfère un grand jardin
  • managing an allocated budget for online shopping, deciding on selected items and explaining choices, for example, le 2ème à moitié prix; 3CD à 15 €
  • creating displays, presentations or performances for family, friends or school community to showcase French learning
  • organising class events such as a vide-grenier/marché aux puces, preparing labels and prices, using transactional language (for example, c’est combien? un très bon prix, vente flash! non, c’est trop cher… une échange?...), and using imperative, declarative and interrogative verb forms to buy, sell or swap items
  • issuing, accepting and declining invitations, adjusting language to suit formal or informal contexts, for example, es-tu libre samedi prochain? je t’invite; je ne suis pas libre - c’est possible dimanche? j’ai le grand plaisir de vous inviter…
  • organising social or sports events, and planning location, date and time (for example, rendez-vous au Stade Central à midi; 19 h chez ma cousine; n’oublie pas ton sac de couchage), using aller + infinitive forms of verbs such as venir, arriver, partir and commencer, for example, nous allons partir à sept heures
  • making arrangements to cater for events such as celebrations or outings through spoken and written texts such as lists, phone calls, letters or emails, and estimating quantities, numbers and prices, for example, il me faut…, une trentaine de… ça coûte combien?
Participate in classroom routines and interactions by following instructions, asking and answering questions, and requesting help or permission

[Key concepts: roles, routines, interaction patterns; Key processes: participating, interacting, contributing, responding] (ACLFRC093 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • asking and answering questions (for example, qu’est-ce que c’est? c’est… ce sont…), and requesting clarification or permission, for example, j’ai une question, comment dit-on…? comment ça s’écrit…?
  • requesting information, explanation or help, for example, pouvez-vous répéter plus lentement s’il vous plaît? qu’est-ce que cela veut dire? je peux recommencer?
  • responding to directions or requests, for example, cliquez sur l’image du chȃteau, choisissez la forme négative
  • discussing aspects of school and social life and responding to each other’s contributions, for example, c’est génial! c’est une bonne idée; ah non, je ne suis pas d’accord
  • using active-listening and turn-taking strategies, for example, et toi, tu es d’accord?… à moi maintenant!

Informing

Locate factual information from a range of texts and resources and use the information in new ways

[Key concepts: concepts from learning areas such as health or environmental studies; Key processes: researching, reading/listening, ordering, classifying] (ACLFRC094 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Numeracy
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Capability
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • collecting vocabulary and expressions from a range of informative texts such as posters, websites, brochures or menus for use in own short reports on topics such as les voyages, manger sain, les médias
  • listening for key points of information in short, spoken/recorded texts such as phone messages or announcements, and representing the information in note form to communicate to others
  • gathering information about places, people or events in francophone contexts and cultures, and using it to build timelines, itineraries or profiles
  • obtaining, classifying and summarising data collected from class surveys or web searches on topics such as favourite books, music, apps, films or social media
  • explaining and sequencing actions or events from texts such as magazine articles or sports reports, using conjunctions and adverbs related to time, for example, puis, d’abord, ensuite, finalement
Present information and ideas relating to social worlds and natural environments in spoken, written and digital forms

[Key concepts: community, traditions, environment; Key processes: composing, presenting, informing] (ACLFRC095 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Capability
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • creating texts to share with a French-speaking audience such as a video or web page to capture and interpret aspects of their personal and social worlds, for example, ‘A day in our life in middle school’; les copains; mon quartier; le weekend
  • creating resources such as posters, pamphlets, websites or journals to present topics related to lifestyles, events or causes, for example, Le Jour de la Terre, Le Clean-Up Day
  • using different modes of presentation to profile significant events, characters or places related to French culture, history or environment
  • describing aspects of their own lifestyles that may interest young learners of their own age in French-speaking environments, for example, surf lifesaving, school camps or excursions, music events

Creating

Engage with imaginative and creative texts such as stories, poems, songs or cartoons, comparing favourite elements, and discussing characters, events, themes and effects

[Key concepts: imagination, creativity, character, expression; Key processes: participating, responding, evaluating] (ACLFRC096 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • responding to questions about characters or events in different types of imaginative texts, and listing and using associated key words or expressions
  • interacting with texts such as stories, poems, songs or cartoons, using modelled and scaffolded language to express opinions, for example, trop triste, si amusant, affreux; pour moi les images…; personnellement, je préfère…
  • noticing and engaging with rhythm, intonation and imagery used to build mood and meaning in poems, songs and performances, and experimenting with language, voice and actions to create similar effects in own re-enactments
  • listening to or viewing texts such as songs, raps or film and video clips, and noticing ideas and comparing aspects that may be similar or different across cultures
Reinterpret or create own shared texts, experimenting with expressive and performance genres, and creating moods and effects suitable for different audiences

[Key concepts: adaptation, mode, genre, performance; Key processes: interpreting, creating, experimenting, presenting] (ACLFRC097 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Capability
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • creating short performances for younger learners, incorporating vocal and expressive elements of language in ways that will engage young children, for example, animal sounds (ouah ouah, cocorico, meuh, cui-cui, coin, coin)
  • creating and performing interactions between characters in scaffolded scenarios that allow for some unscripted language production and expression of emotion
  • using digital resources such as Sock Puppets or Cartoon Story Maker to create imaginary characters and situations associated with home or school contexts
  • composing and performing modified or simplified versions of familiar texts that feature repetitive and evocative language, for example, Page d’écriture, Prévert
  • inventing a new character, story twist or event in a familiar text such as Astérix or Tintin

Translating

Translate short texts from French to English and vice versa, noticing which words or phrases translate easily and which do not

[Key concepts: translation, equivalence; Key processes: comparing, translating, interpreting, explaining] (ACLFRC098 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Capability
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • translating short personal texts such as letters, emails or conversations, identifying words and phrases that can be translated literally (for example, la maison, le ciel, les enfants, Bonjour, mon ami) and those that need to be translated for meaning, for example, il fait beau! A tout à l’heure! courage!
  • translating public signs or notices (for example, sens unique, chaussée deformée, défense de fumer), comparing own versions with others’ and considering reasons for any differences
  • using bilingual dictionaries and electronic translation tools, taking into account issues such as alternative or multiple meanings of words and the importance of context when making meaning, for example, la fille, le bureau, l’histoire, la vue
  • translating headlines, captions and short reports in texts produced for young readers (for example, Wapiti, Okapi, Julie), identifying and explaining words or expressions that require interpretation rather than translation
  • translating and explaining the meaning of words or expressions associated with celebrations in French-speaking regions of the world (for example, le poisson d’avril, la bûche de Noël, le Ramadan, Aïd el-Fitre, la Fête de la Musique, la Toussaint), and considering how they reflect significant cultural experience
Create bilingual texts and resources such as learning support materials, games or posters, deciding how to deal with elements that cannot be readily translated

[Key concepts: equivalence, context, meaning; Key processes: translating, interpreting, explaining] (ACLFRC099 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Capability
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • creating bilingual resources such as glossaries, word banks or personal French–English dictionaries, including explanations of some idioms and expressions
  • creating bilingual texts for the school or local community (for example, posters, library displays or contributions to online forums), considering how to represent meaning for different audiences
  • creating bilingual texts for specific audiences, for example, rhymes, stories or songs for younger learners of French, invitations to a class event, or posters for a performance
  • using dictionaries and electronic translation tools to create bilingual texts such as menus, schedules or captions for photo montages, and making decisions in relation to language, audience and cultural perspectives
  • designing and maintaining a bilingual website with a sister-school or contact group of English learners in a French-speaking community, making choices about when to use French or English depending on the context, topic and nature of the interaction

Reflecting

Engage with French speakers and resources, noticing how interaction involves culture as well as language

[Key concepts: awareness, interpretation, cultural frames, intercultural exchange; Key processes: noticing, reflecting, responding] (ACLFRC100 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Capability
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • reflecting on choices made when using French to interact with others, and considering the relationship between language, culture and behaviour, for example, using names or titles and familiar or formal terms of address (Salut, Leila, ça va? Bonjour, Madame Michou, comment allez-vous?)
  • interacting with French speakers online, noticing and responding to expressions or behaviours that are unfamiliar, for example, use of gestures, exclamations, or sigles such as MDR (mort de rire)
  • sharing ideas about the experience of learning and using French, including any perceived changes in levels of confidence, or in attitudes towards and understanding of culture and intercultural communication
  • observing interactions between French speakers in different contexts, noticing and recording elements that reflect cultural attitudes or behaviours, for example, language associated with politeness or emotion (je vous en prie, je suis désolé)
  • participating in guided discussion of the nature and role of ‘culture’ and its relationship with language, with reference to French, English and other known languages
Notice own and others’ ways of expressing identity, and consider the relationship between language, culture and identity

[Key concepts: communication, identity; Key processes: noticing, reflecting, comparing, adjusting] (ACLFRC101 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • Ethical Understanding
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • talking about own identities in terms of cultural background and personal and social experience, using declarative and descriptive statements, for example, je suis australien d’origine italienne; je parle vietnamien et anglais; je suis membre de l’équipe…
    • Asia and Australia’s Engagement with Asia
  • preparing a class profile to exchange with French-speaking students, showing cultural backgrounds, languages used in the home, interests and values, and using resources such as photos, captions, quotes and symbols
  • considering the impact of stereotypes on how texts are understood and intercultural experiences interpreted
  • sharing personal reactions and feelings when using French, using prompts such as: Am I the same ‘me’ when speaking French? Does my identity change? How do I feel when…?
  • observing others’ ways of communicating, identifying elements of language or behaviour that might be unfamiliar to people from different cultures or communities, for example, ways of addressing people and expressing wishes, rituals associated with school sports, and the use of body language

Systems of language

Recognise and use features of the French sound system, including pitch, rhythm, stress and intonation

[Key concepts: pronunciation, intonation; Key processes: listening, distinguishing, imitating, reading aloud] (ACLFRU102 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • developing awareness of French sounds, rhythms and intonation patterns, including those with no English equivalents, for example, -u (tu), -r (très vite) and -ion (attention)
  • becoming familiar with the vowel system in French, including nasalised vowels such as plein, bon, and semi-vowels such as famille, oui
  • distinguishing vowel sounds (for example by recognising distinctions between nasal vowel sounds such as cinq, sympa, manger, entre, dont, des bonbons), and experimenting with pronunciation of consonant–vowel combinations, for example by using virelangues such as un chasseur sachant chasser…, six cent six saucissons suisses…
  • using the French alphabet for spelling out names or expressions, noticing similarities and differences to English and using correct terminology for accents (accent aigu, accent cédille, accent circonflexe)
  • recognising differences in intonation and rhythm between statements, questions and commands (Vous écoutez la chanson. Vous écoutez la chanson? Ecoutez la chanson!)
  • using appropriate intonation for common fillers, interjections and responses such as hein?, bon, beh…, n’est-ce pas? Oh là là!, Aïe!, Youpi! Ça alors…
Understand and use elements of the French grammatical system, including word order, gender and number variation, and present and compound forms of regular and some irregular verbs

[Key concepts: grammar, gender, number; Key processes: noticing, applying, explaining] (ACLFRU103 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • using and understanding nouns as core elements of sentence structure
  • using definite and indefinite articles (le, la, l’, les; un, une, des)
  • marking plural forms (le chien/les chiens, une femme/des femmes), including some irregular plural forms (l’œil/les yeux, le nez/les nez)
  • understanding and using the three main conjugations for present tense regular verbs -er, -ir and -re, and the irregular present tense conjugations of the verbs être, avoir, aller and faire
  • understanding that while some adjectives in French follow the noun (un élève intelligent, un match extraordinaire), some precede the noun (une bonne étudiante, une grande maison)
  • understanding that adjectives agree in number and gender with the noun (des élèves intelligents, de bonnes étudiantes) and that des changes to de if the adjective precedes the noun
  • understanding the form and function of subject pronouns je, tu, il, elle, nous, vous, ils and elles, how they determine verb conjugations and substitute for noun subjects (voila le frère de Michel; il est beau, n’est-ce pas?)
  • recognising and using locative prepositions à, en, au, aux and dans when describing where people live (Jean-François habite à Montréal au Canada, ma copine Juliette habite aux Phlippines, la famille Maréchal habite dans une ferme)
    • Asia and Australia’s Engagement with Asia
  • using the negative ne…pas in simple statements, questions and commands (je n’aime pas l’histoire, tu n’aimes pas le bifteck? ne recommence pas!), recognising substitution of the indefinite article with de in negative sentences (Non, je n’ai pas de frère. J’ai une sœur)
  • understanding three ways of forming a question: a simple declarative sentence with rising intonation (tu as un animal chez toi?), inverting the verb form (as-tu un animal chez toi?), and using est-ce que before a declarative sentence (est-ce que tu as un animal chez toi?)
  • gaining awareness of simple and compound tenses, using le passé composé to recount events that occurred in the past and le futur proche to describe immediate future events (il a regardé la télé, il va regarder la télé)
  • expressing ownership through the use of singular and plural possessive adjectives (mes yeux, ses cheveux, ta mère, ses copains)
  • using the imperative verb mood (mes enfants, soyez sages! va demander à ta mère)
  • recognising the function of irregular verbs such as avoir, être and faire in expressions such as avoir faim, avoir 13 ans and faire beau and as auxiliary verb forms (je suis arrivé, nous avons mangé)
  • recognising the functions of elements such as prefixes and suffixes (désagréable, la camionette, la réorganization) and how word patterns and clusters connect (triste, la tristesse; le marché, le marchand, la marchandise)
  • building metalanguage to talk about grammar and vocabulary (for example, les formes négatives, interrogatives, le futur proche, masculin, féminin, singulier, pluriel), and comparing with equivalent English terms
Recognise and use features of common spoken, written and multimodal texts, and compare with features of similar texts in English

[Key concepts: genre, mode, tenor, audience, language features; Key processes: noticing, analysing, comparing] (ACLFRU104 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • identifying the purpose, intended audience and key language features of familiar texts such as road signs, instructions or postcards, for example, Grosses bises! Défense de fumer; stationnement interdit
  • listening, viewing and reading for gist, context and purpose, drawing on knowledge of types of text, context and language features to predict and confirm meaning, for example, the use of imperative verb forms and specialised vocabulary in an in-flight safety demonstration (en préparation pour le décollage, le gilet de sauvetage, respirez normalement, gardez votre ceinture attaché…)
  • identifying elements of common types of text (le courriel, la météo, les slogans), and explaining relationships between language, structure and textual purpose
  • building understanding of text features through activities such as ‘genre substitution’; that is, transferring typical features from one genre to a different one, for example, a greeting that sounds like an announcement (Attention, Madame, comment-allez vous!), or a weather report that reads like a recipe (Un litre de pluie, un peu de vent, six nuages…)
  • understanding how to create textual cohesion, using elements such as conjunctions or causal phrases to sequence and link ideas and maintain the flow of expression, for example, donc, mais, à propos de, pendant, si, grace à, à cause de…

Language variation and change

Recognise that French language use varies according to context, situation and relationship

[Key concepts: variation, context, relationship; Key processes: noticing, analysing, explaining] (ACLFRU105 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Capability
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • noticing that French is used differently in different situations and for different relationships, for example, casual conversation between friends, polite interactions between strangers in shops, and respectful/authoritative exchanges between teachers and students
  • comparing language use and other aspects of communication in informal exchanges (for example, un match de football — allez, allez!) and in formal communication, for example, Soyez les bienvenus à notre école
  • collecting and analysing samples of language from texts such as video clips or print/electronic forms of communication to explore differences in communicative style and expression between social groups such as les adolescents, les profs or les tout-petits
Understand the dynamic nature of French and other languages

[Key concepts: language contact, word borrowing, globalisation; Key processes: observing, identifying, classifying] (ACLFRU106 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
  • understanding that languages and cultures change continuously due to contact with each other and in response to new ideas and developments in communications and technology (la mondialisation)
  • recognising that the French language continuously borrows and adapts words and expressions from other languages, including English, for example, stop! le football, le sketch, le clown; le sushi, l’origami
    • Asia and Australia’s Engagement with Asia
  • recognising that many French words are used in English and in other languages (for example, croissant, menu, ballet, chef, chauffeur), and noticing the different vocabulary areas that these words tend to belong to (such as terms relating to food and fashion) and considering possible reasons for this
  • collecting French words used in English (for example, le restaurant, le menu, le chauffeur, le ballet, la pirouette), and comparing how they are pronounced by French or English speakers
  • understanding that some languages are growing and adapting, while others (such as indigenous languages across the world) are endangered, disappearing or reviving, or blending with stronger languages
Recognise that French is both a local and a global language

[Key concepts: first language, global language, dialects, creoles, accents; Key processes: mapping, comparing, distinguishing] (ACLFRU107 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • recognising that French is an important world language spoken with a variety of accents and dialects in many regions of the world as well as in France, for example, le Québec, le Sénégal, le Maroc, La Suisse, La Nouvelle Calédonie
  • understanding that French serves different functions within France and in other regions of the world, including Australia, for example, as a langue nationale, officielle, de communauté, diplomatique and culturelle
  • mapping and comparing variations in forms and expressions of French language in different geographical contexts, for example, les langues kanakes de la Nouvelle Calédonie, les langues bretonnes de la Bretagne, la créole de la Guadaloupe
  • comparing diversity in accents, dialects and vocabulary in French-speaking communities with similar diversity in the use of English within and beyond Australia

Role of language and culture

Explore the relationship between language and culture

[Key concepts: culture, language, meaning; Key processes: analysing, explaining, defining] (ACLFRU108 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
  • exploring how language and culture influence each other, for example, French terms of address that reflect respect and status such as Madame la Directrice and Monsieur le Président; diverse cuisines and food-related terms and expressions that reflect cultural diversity in contemporary France or Australia
  • investigating connections between language and significant cultural values or practices in French, English and other languages, for example, la Marianne; la patrie; la laïcité; Reconciliation, Aussie Rules, ‘fair go’
    • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
  • noticing how people think and talk about themselves and others, for example, comparing ways of addressing and thinking about older people or strangers
  • creating a gift pack of symbols and expressions to introduce French students to Australian languages and cultures, and explaining the reasons for particular choices
  • developing language to analyse and explain the nature of the language–culture relationship, using terms such as ‘meaning’, ‘perspective’, ‘values’, ‘assumptions’ and ‘difference’
  • reflecting on own tastes, interests and language use that have been shaped by intercultural influences, for example, Japanese manga or anime, or American fashion, music and dance
    • Asia and Australia’s Engagement with Asia

Years 7 and 8 Achievement Standards

By the end of Year 8, students use French to interact with each other, teachers and online French-speaking contacts, to exchange information, opinions, experiences, thoughts and feelings about themselves, their families and friends. They initiate and sustain conversation by using active-listening skills and responding to others’ contributions (for example, c’est vrai ...; ah oui, en effet ...; pas possible!). They respond to familiar questions and directions (such as Qu’est-ce que c’est? Qui est-ce? Posez la question à ...), and request help or clarification (for example, Pardon? Pourquoi? Peux-tu répéter?). They approximate French sound patterns, intonation and rhythms, including novel elements of pronunciation such as -r, -u and -ille. They use the present tense and present + infinitive form to make statements and ask questions about self, peers, family and interests (for example, je suis italien-australien; j’habite à Cairns; j’ai une sœur et deux frères; j’aime chanter; et toi?). They locate factual information from a range of texts and use non-verbal, visual and contextual cues to help make meaning. They describe familiar objects, contexts and experiences (such as la maison, le quartier, l’école), using appropriate subject-verb and noun-adjective gender and number agreements and vocabulary to describe appearance (for example, grand, petit, belle, bizarre), character (for example, sympa, compliqué) and quantity (for example, les numéros, beaucoup de ...). They use modelled sentence structures, formulaic expressions and high-frequency vocabulary to create texts such as captions, emails, posters or short narratives and presentations. They use conjunctions and connectives (such as puis, ensuite and mais), and prepositions of place and time (such as sous, sur, devant, après and avant) to build cohesion and extend sentence structure. They translate short texts and explain French gestures, expressions or signs to friends and family. They provide examples of how languages do not always translate directly, and how interpreting and translating involve meaning (for example, values, ideas, attitudes) as well as parts of speech (such as nouns, verbs, adverbs). They adjust language use to suit contexts and situations (for example, use of tu or vous, different forms of address), and respond in culturally appropriate ways to interactions with French speakers or resources.

Students provide examples of the dynamic nature of contact between languages and cultures in the contemporary world. They identify the significance of French as a world language and the distribution of communities of French speakers in different countries and regions. They give examples of similarities between French and English (for example, the same alphabet and basic sentence structure, many words in common), and some differences (such as pronunciation and intonation patterns, non-verbal language, grammatical gender forms and politeness protocols). They identify French words used in English (such as ‘menu’, ‘mousse’), English words used in French (such as le weekend, le football), and explain how languages and cultures influence and interact with each other (technology, globalisation, popular culture). They know that French has its own rules for pronunciation, grammar and non-verbal communication and that they need to adjust language to suit different situations and relationships (for example, formal and informal language, different text types). They use metalanguage to explain features of language, texts and grammar, making connections with terms such as ‘verb’, ‘adjective’ and ‘tense’ that are used in English learning, and incorporating new concepts such as grammatical gender for talking about French. Students give examples of how languages are connected with cultures, and of how French language reflects ways of behaving and thinking as does their own language.


Years 7 and 8 Work Sample Portfolios

Years 9 and 10

Years 9 and 10 Band Description

The nature of the learners

Students have prior experience of learning French and bring a range of capabilities, strategies and knowledge that can be applied to new learning. They are expanding the range and nature of their learning experiences and of the contexts within which they communicate with others. They have a growing awareness of the wider world, including the diversity of languages, cultures and forms of intercultural communication. They are considering future pathways and prospects, including how French may feature in these.

French language learning and use

This is a period of language exploration and vocabulary expansion, and of experimentation with different modes of communication such as digital and hypermedia, collaborative performance and group discussions. Increasing control of language structures and systems builds confidence and interest in communicating in a wider range of contexts. Learners use French to communicate and interact, to access and exchange information, to express feelings and opinions, to participate in imaginative and creative experiences, and to design, interpret and analyse a wider range of texts and experiences. They use French more fluently, with a greater degree of self-correction and repair. They reference the accuracy of their language use against a stronger frame of grammatical and systems knowledge. They demonstrate understanding of language variation and change, and of how intercultural experience, technology, media and globalisation influence forms of communication.

Contexts of interaction

The language class remains the principal context for learning and using French. Learners use written and spoken French to interact with peers, teachers and some other French speakers in local contexts and online environments. These exchanges are complemented by interactions with rich and varied language resources and materials. Learners may communicate with young French speakers and access additional resources and materials through ICT and teacher-facilitated connections. They may also participate in local community events such as Alliance Française activities, music or film festivals, or exchange-student hosting.

Texts and resources

Learners engage with a range of language-learning texts and support materials, such as textbooks, videos, apps, media texts and online materials. They also draw increasingly on texts produced for French-speaking communities, in a range of different times and contexts, such as short stories, songs, poems, newspaper reports, films, video clips, blogs and social media texts.

Features of French language use

Learners recognise and approximate the pronunciation, rhythms and intonation patterns of more extended phrases and compound sentences. They use words with more complex syllable combinations and become more fluent and accurate in both spoken and written language production. They gain more control of grammatical and textual elements. They use the passé composé tense of verbs conjugated with avoir and être, recognise the form and function of reflexive verbs, and use elements such as possessive adjectives and object pronouns. They use expressive and descriptive language to talk about feelings and experiences. They develop understanding of the nature of both translation and interpretation, noticing the relationship between language, texts and culture. A balance is maintained between activities that focus on language forms and structures and those that involve communicative tasks, performances and experiences. Task characteristics and conditions are more complex and challenging. They involve collaborative as well as independent language planning and performance, and development and strategic use of language and cultural resources. Learners analyse text more critically, identifying how language choices reflect perspectives and shape meaning. At this level, learners are developing understanding of the relationship between language, culture and identity. They identify how meaning-making and representation in a different language involve interpretation and personal response as well as literal translation and factual reporting. They explore the reciprocal nature of intercultural communication: how moving between different languages and cultural systems impacts on the learner’s ways of thinking and behaving; and how successful communication requires flexibility, awareness and openness to alternative ways. They develop the capacity to ‘decentre’ from normative ways of thinking and communicating, to consider their own cultural practices through the eyes of others, and to communicate in interculturally appropriate ways.

Level of support

This stage of learning revolves around consolidation and progression. Learners need opportunities for new challenges and more independent learning experiences. Continued scaffolding, modelling and monitoring are required to support these challenges. Resources are provided and processes modelled for the development of more autonomous self-monitoring and reflecting strategies (such as online journalling, video documenting, and discussion forums). Continuing focused attention on grammatical and textual features supports learners’ development as text producers.

The role of English

French is increasingly used for classroom interactions and routines, for elements of task participation and for structured discussions. English continues to be used as the medium of some instruction, for substantive discussion, comparison, analysis and reflection. This allows learners to talk in more depth and detail about their experience of learning French and about their views on culture, identity and intercultural experience. English is the language of analysis, comparison and critique, encouraging discussion of concepts such as ‘diversity’, ‘flexibility’, ‘interculturality’ and ‘stereotypes’. It allows for discussion and debate appropriate to learners’ age and cognitive levels but beyond their linguistic capability in French.


Years 9 and 10 Content Descriptions

Socialising

Socialise and exchange views on local and global issues

[Key concepts: generation, environment, globalisation, relationships; Key processes: interacting, responding, explaining, comparing] (ACLFRC109 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Capability
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • Sustainability
  • using simple and compound sentences to structure arguments, and explain or justify a position in relation to personal and social issues such as les études, la santé, l’avenir, les passe-temps
  • initiating and sustaining conversation through active-listening strategies, turn-taking cues and verbal and non-verbal responses, for example, ah bon? pas vrai! et si on…?
  • using descriptive and expressive language to exchange views on global issues such as les médias sociaux, l’avenir des jeunes and la pollution, building topic-specific vocabulary and rhetorical strategies such as emphasis and repetition, for example, Au contraire! à mon avis…, je ne suis pas d’accord, après tout…, il faut le dire…, encore une fois..
    • Sustainability
  • contributing to online discussions with young people in French-speaking contexts, comparing aspects of school and home life, for example, les examens, le stress, les sports, l’étude des langues
Participate in collaborative projects that make connections between French language and culture and other curriculum areas

[Key concepts: concepts from other learning areas; Key processes: task planning and resourcing, cross-referencing] (ACLFRC110 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Numeracy
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Capability
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • Sustainability
  • organising class displays that combine print and digital resources with demonstrations and performances around themes such as le 14 juillet, le voyage, la Fête de la Musique, la gastronomie francophone
  • finding connections between French language and culture and areas of the curriculum such as history, music, science, sport or the arts (for example, le ballet, Marcel Marceau, Zaz, Zinedine Zidane, le Tour de France, Louis Pasteur), and reporting on particular contributions or achievements
  • participating in visites virtuelles (for example, Le Musée du Quai Branly, le Tour de France, la Martinique, la Nouvelle Calédonie), sharing responsibility for individual elements of a report that highlights key features of the experience
  • designing action-oriented projects such as websites, posters or presentations which include images and expressions that invite concern or support for social or environmental issues, for example, les SDF, le commerce équitable, le développement durable
    • Sustainability
  • using mathematical language and processes in real or simulated transactions, for example, creating a virtual bureau de change, setting exchange rates with the euro, CHF, CFP, XAF; managing a budget for online shopping on French-language internet sites
Develop classroom language to manage shared learning experiences, monitor performance and discuss French language and culture learning

[Key concepts: task, outcome, performance, communication, culture; Key processes: discussing, commenting, interacting] (ACLFRC111 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Capability
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • interacting in classroom activities and discussions to manage shared learning experiences, report on each other’s contributions and consider each other’s views, opinions and preferences, for example, c’est à qui? Moi, je vais mettre cette image là; qu’est que tu vas faire avec celle-là? Voilà — c’est fait. Qui va faire..? C’est bien réussi
  • planning performances or presentations to showcase French language and culture learning, for example, Si on préparait une photo-montage? Comment est-ce qu’on va présenter les images?
  • using evaluative and comparative language to discuss different learning resources such as textbooks, websites or electronic dictionaries, for example, ils sont utiles/intéressants/trop complexes; je préfère lire le texte moi-même...; je trouve mieux…
  • surveying or interviewing peers to report on shared progress, challenges and achievements, for example, je sais compter/écrire/communiquer en français; j’ai un bon accent; je parle assez couramment; j’aime bien les gestes ; je trouve meilleur...

Informing

Access and analyse information from different sources, identifying how culture and context influence the presentation of ideas

[Key concepts: information, representation, modality; Key processes: selecting, evaluating, interpreting, analysing] (ACLFRC112 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Capability
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • examining information obtained from different sites and sources to compare how young people are represented in the media, for example, comparing letters to the editor about young people with postings on forums conducted by young people
  • listening to and viewing short informative texts such as documentaries or news reports, listing key words and points of information to be reused in own newsflash or roman photo, and considering how emphasis or perspective can reflect culture and context
  • conducting surveys or structured interviews with classmates or online French-speaking contacts, comparing opinions and perspectives on community or personal issues, and identifying social or cultural variations
  • listening to, reading or viewing excerpts from interviews with public figures such as politicians, sports stars, musicians or actors, noting how vocabulary, phrases or gestures are used to emphasise or clarify key points of information
Convey information on selected topics using different modes of presentation to suit different audiences

[Key concepts: content, audience, mode; Key processes: selecting, designing, presenting] (ACLFRC113 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Capability
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • presenting information in different formats for different audiences, such as potential consumers or voters, matching language and structure to context and content, for example, digital images and catchy by-lines in advertisements, persuasive language in election speeches (C’est l’heure! Votez vert!)
  • explaining to others a procedure, game or practice, using simple language and supporting graphics, materials and gestures, for example, how to play la pétanque, cook an omelette, house-train a puppy, play an online game
  • creating a web page for young French travellers looking for work in Australia, indicating different regional employment possibilities and providing key points of information about each region, for example, les vendanges, au pair à la ferme, l’intérieur du pays, la côte
  • conveying information and ideas by aligning choice of language and text structure to topics and themes, for example, using emotive images and captions to highlight issues such as la faim or l’anti-discrimination, or rap rhythms and slogans to provoke reactions or to entertain

Creating

Respond to a range of traditional and contemporary texts, and compare themes and language style

[Key concepts: characterisation, themes, imagination, humour; Key processes: responding, comparing] (ACLFRC114 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • comparing treatment of particular themes, such as romance, adventure or family, in a range of texts created at different times, identifying changes in values and perspectives over time (for example, les fables, les contes, les dessins animés, la science fiction)
  • creating a shared database of imaginative, performative and expressive texts that they have enjoyed (such as songs, poems, cartoons and films), cross-referencing titles, genres, themes and values, and giving ratings and brief explanations for selections
  • comparing contemporary French and Australian music by reading music magazines, viewing video clips and listening to music stations, identifying similarities and differences in expression, themes and styles of performance
  • reviewing examples of French humour across different times and contexts (for example, le mime, les blagues, les comiques, les dessins animés), and considering similar changes in Australian expressions of humour according to era and context
Create imaginative texts to entertain, convey ideas and express emotions

[Key concepts: culture, expression, empathy, humour; Key processes: creating, performing, entertaining, reflecting] (ACLFRC115 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • creating an imaginary persona or avatar in a French-speaking fantasy world, incorporating communicative styles and social behaviours observed in French texts
  • creating a storyboard outline that transposes familiar characters to French-speaking contexts (for example, Harry Potter débarque à Paris), and providing a glossary of key vocabulary and expressions
  • composing and performing short songs for imagined occasions (for example, les anniversaires, le départ en voyages), experimenting with vocal and non-verbal expression
  • creating characters and contexts for simple unscripted interactions, such as explorers on an expedition or participants in a television reality show, providing sample descriptors and language, for example, courageux, dynamique, plein d’initative: du courage! Allez les gars! Timide, paresseux, toujours fatigué: pas encore! Ah non, c’est trop…

Translating

Consider the nature of translating and interpreting and the role of culture when transferring meaning from one language to another

[Key concepts: culture, translation, interpretation, meaning; Key processes: comparing, analysing, critical and cultural reading] (ACLFRC116 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Capability
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • experimenting with the translation of popular French expressions or idioms (for example, être bien dans sa peau; ne pas être dans son assiette; revenons à nos moutons), and explaining the potential for misunderstanding
  • experimenting with various resources to assist in translation, including bilingual and monolingual dictionaries, electronic translators, encyclopaedias and other reference materials, for example, by comparing translations, back-translating and swapping useful references
  • analysing translations of familiar texts such as children’s stories or advertisements, considering the context in which they are produced and whether meaning is sometimes changed or lost in the process
  • finding examples of expressions in Australian English that do not translate easily into French (for example, ‘mad as a cut snake’, ‘the bush’, ‘a formal’, ‘schoolies’), explaining reasons for the lack of equivalence, why this may be the case and referencing sources of information that would help French learners understand or appreciate the context of use
  • viewing excerpts of French/English subtitled films and evaluating the effectiveness of the translations (literal translation, non-translation, adapted translation)
Create bilingual texts such as glossaries, footnotes or captions to interpret cultural aspects of texts

[Key concepts: representation, bilingualism, interpretation; Key processes: interpreting, explaining, comparing] (ACLFRC117 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Capability
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • providing bilingual captions for images of French or Australian scenes to explain cultural references, for example, bush, beach or city images
  • creating websites or printed guides for intending international students to French or Australian schools, highlighting key terms and expressions associated with traditions, curricula, schedules or routines
  • providing vocabulary lists and annotated cultural explanations for French-speaking visitors to events such as Australian sports days, swimming carnivals or family barbecues, explaining elements such as abbreviated language or team barracking
  • creating a shared website with a group of French-speaking students, and posting news items, comments and questions in both French and English
  • creating parallel bilingual captions for a display or exhibition, and comparing how meanings are conveyed in each language

Reflecting

Interact with French speakers and resources, recognising that intercultural communication involves shared responsibility for meaning making

[Key concepts: frames, standpoints, reciprocity, reflection; Key processes: expressing, discussing, noticing, adjusting] (ACLFRC118 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • exploring the reciprocal nature of intercultural communication, the two-way process of noticing and responding to differences in perceptions, understandings or behaviours, for example, attitudes to interruptions, personal space and physical contact, and degree of formality or directness
  • using personal journals and discussions to reflect on critical incidents in the course of learning and using French, such as breakdowns or breakthroughs in communication, and discussing repair and recovery strategies and insights gained
  • discussing ways in which the experience of learning and using French challenges preconceptions, stereotypes or attitudes
  • exploring the process of ‘decentring’ from own linguistic and cultural standpoint and considering how ways of behaving and communicating might be perceived by people from different backgrounds
Consider and discuss own and others’ cultural identities, and how they both shape and are shaped by ways of communicating and thinking

[Key concepts: identity, culture, communication; Key processes: observing, reflecting, explaining] (ACLFRC119 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Numeracy
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • examining the nature of identity, how it is fluid and dynamic and closely related to both language and culture
  • noticing how identity is expressed through languages spoken by people in various cultural contexts, including the range of languages spoken by classmates and family or community members
  • mapping their own linguistic and cultural profile, for example by creating a chart, timeline or web profile to highlight formative elements such as family languages, key relationships and intercultural experiences
  • reflecting on the experience of learning and using French, considering how it might add a further dimension to own sense of identity
  • developing a language for reflecting on language learning and intercultural experience, examining aspects that are unexpected, difficult or enjoyable

Systems of language

Recognise the regularities and irregularities of spoken French, and use pronunciation, rhythm and stress in increasingly complex ways

[Key concepts: liaisons, rhythm, intonation, pitch; Key processes: recognising, discriminating, imitating, producing] (ACLFRU120 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • recognising and reproducing rhythms in more complex sentences, using pausing and intonation to signal clause sequence and emphasis
  • using tone and intonation to indicate emphasis or emotion, for example, elle a fait quoi? Il est tellement doué!
  • using words and expressions with more complex syllable combinations (la magnitude, les augmentations, qu’est-ce que c’est que ça?), building fluency and accuracy in relation to pitch, stress and rhythm
  • understanding the function and patterns of use of liaisons and silent h forms in maintaining speech flow, for example, L’Hȏtel Splendide est situé au bord du lac; c’est en effet un hȏtel splendide!
  • recognising the role of pronunciation, rhythm and pace in creating effects and suggesting relationships in oral texts such as stories, poems, songs and conversations
Extend grammatical knowledge, including the forms and functions of reflexive verbs, verb moods and modality and the imperfect tense

[Key concepts: tense, mood, modality; Key processes: analysing, classifying, applying, explaining] (ACLFRU121 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • understanding additional negative forms such as ne…plus, ne…rien, ne…jamais, ne…que, ne…personne
  • understanding the function of comparative and superlative forms of adverbs and adjectives, for example, vite, plus vite, le plus vite; moins jolie, la moins jolie
  • extending knowledge of le passé composé, understanding that verbs conjugated with être require agreement of the past participle with the subject (elles sont parties hier soir), and that verbs conjugated with avoir require agreement between the past participle and preceding direct object (les fleurs que tu as achetées sont si belles)
  • understanding the function and use of relative pronouns (qui, que), emphatic pronouns (eux, elle), and direct and indirect object pronouns (la, lui, nous, leur)
  • using l’imparfait tense, understanding how to distinguish between a completed and a continuing action in the past (nous étions déjà au lit quand il est arrivé)
  • understanding the form and function of reflexive verbs (for example, se laver, se lever, se presenter), including the use of être and agreements in le passé composé
  • understanding the function of impersonal expressions such as il faut, on peut, on doit…
  • recognising how grammatical choices shade meaning and establish register, for example, use of tu or vous to distinguish relationship; use of nous to suggest inclusivity or shared identity; use of on to suggest distance
  • developing metalanguage to talk in French and English about word order, verb moods, tenses or agreements, for example, le passé composé, le verbe auxiliaire, les adjéctifs possessifs, l’accord du participe passé
Analyse and compose different types of texts using appropriate linguistic, textual and cultural elements

[Key concepts: register, tenor, cohesion; Key processes: analysing, composing, explaining] (ACLFRU122 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • identifying how grammatical choices, words and images combine in a text to achieve particular intentions and effects, for example, the positioning of the reader by the use of personal pronouns, imperative/interrogative verb moods and emotive language in advertisements
  • comparing French and English versions of texts with easily recognisable language features (for example, love songs, recipes or horoscopes), noticing differences or similarities in imagery or focus that might be culturally significant
  • interpreting, explaining and using textual conventions popular with young French speakers, for example, the use of contractions, abbreviations and acronyms in text messaging (bjr = bonjour; A+ = à plus; biz = bisous; 12C4 = un de ces quatre)

Language variation and change

Recognise that French is used in varying ways to achieve different purposes

[Key concepts: language modes, register, context; Key processes: noticing, comparing, analysing, explaining] (ACLFRU123 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • comparing spoken and written texts such as apologies or invitations to identify how differences in grammar and text features determine the nature of interactions, for example, formal or informal (je t’invite! Nous serions très heureux de vous accueillir chez nous)
  • observing forms of communication in different situations, and explaining how elements such as body language and use of personal space or silence contribute to the nature of the interaction and reflect status or relationship
  • examining the power of language to influence actions and beliefs (for example, analysing the wording of appels de secours d’urgence: nous sommes de tout cœur avec les communautés dévastées…), and noticing the use of grammatical choices to include or exclude, for example, vous les autres… nous les jeunes…
  • recognising how diversity of expression and language forms reflects the diversity of individual and community perspectives and experiences
Examine the nature of language change in response to changing cultural conditions

[Key concepts: globalisation, intercultural contact, popular culture; Key processes: reflecting, analysing, comparing, explaining] (ACLFRU124 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • identifying factors involved in language change and adaptation, for example by creating flowcharts or diagrams using captions such as la mondialisation, l’immigration, le multiculturalisme, les médias, les informations
  • finding examples of cross-cultural influences between French, English and Australian-English cultural expressions, art forms and vocabulary, for example, young musicians in France studying le didgeridoo
    • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
  • considering the concept of ‘ecology’ in relation to French and other languages; that is, the interaction of the language with constantly changing environments due to globalisation, technology, language shifts and exchange
  • understanding that languages increasingly blend to create new forms and functions, for example by comparing traditional creole languages in English-speaking and francophone communities
Understand the symbolic nature of language in local and global contexts

[Key concepts: power, symbolism, culture; Key processes: exploring issues, identifying, analysing, comparing] (ACLFRU125 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • Ethical Understanding
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
  • identifying the function and power of cultural expressions such as stories, symbols, icons and anthems, for example, le tricolore, la Marseillaise, le fleur de lys, the Dreamtime, Aboriginal and Australian flags
    • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
  • considering how language marks respect, values and attitudes, and includes and excludes, for example, the language of law and medicine, the (changing) gendered nature of some professional titles in French (un médecin, un chef, une professeure), and access to community information for second language speakers
  • reflecting on the power of language in relation to own and others’ experience, for example, winning an argument or working out the meaning of unfamiliar French words; being locked out of conversations, or being a newcomer or an outsider in a social group

Role of language and culture

Explore the dynamic nature of the relationship between language, culture and communication and how it impacts on attitudes and beliefs

[Key concepts: culture, meaning, change; Key processes: reflecting, analysing, comparing] (ACLFRU126 - Scootle )

  • Literacy
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Personal and Social Capability
  • Ethical Understanding
  • Intercultural Understanding
  • examining how changes to the French language reflect changes in some cultural practices and attitudes, for example, le fastfood, la pub/le pub, Madame le Directeur
  • sharing ideas about how culture ‘works’ as a combination of beliefs, values and practices, and examining own personal and community cultural frames of reference and how and why these change over time
  • using personal journals and group discussions to reflect on how learning French has impacted on own assumptions about French language, culture or identity
  • considering how the experience of learning a new language has impacted on awareness of own communicative and cultural behaviours and of how these may be interpreted by others
  • developing language for thinking and talking about cultural representation and expression, for example, ‘perspectives’, ‘values’, ‘images’, ‘stereotypes’, ‘inclusions’ and ‘exclusions’

Years 9 and 10 Achievement Standards

By the end of Year 10, students use written and spoken French to socialise with peers, teachers and other French speakers in local contexts and online environments. They communicate about immediate and personal interests and involvements (such as family, friends, interests), and some broader social and cultural issues (such as health, social media, international experience, the environment). They approximate rhythms and intonation patterns of extended and compound sentences, using syllable combinations, and building fluency and accuracy in pronunciation, pitch and stress. They use the passé composé tense of regular verbs with avoir and être, noticing that the participe passé form of verbs with être involves gender and number agreement. They identify the form and function of reflexive verbs (such as se laver, se lever) and use appropriate forms of possessive adjectives in own language production. They locate, interpret and analyse information from different print, digital and community sources, and communicate information, ideas and views in a range of contexts using different modes of presentation. They use expressive and descriptive vocabulary to talk about feelings and experiences. They create imaginative and performative texts for a range of purposes, such as entertaining or persuading. They use French to narrate and describe, matching modes of presentation to context and intended audience. They create bilingual texts (such as guides, event commentaries, cultural glossaries), and interpret observed interactions in terms of cultural practices and comparisons.

Students identify differences between spoken and written forms of French, comparing these with English and other known languages. They identify the importance of non-verbal elements of communication, such as facial expressions, gestures and intonation. They make distinctions between familiar text types, such as greetings, instructions and menus, commenting on differences in language features and text structures. They use metalanguage for talking about language (such as formal and informal language, body language) and for reflecting on the experience of French language and culture learning. They identify relationships between parts of words (such as suffixes, prefixes) and stems of words (such as préparer, préparation; le marché, le supermarché, l’hypermarché). Students identify the validity of different perspectives, and make comparisons across languages and cultures, drawing from texts which relate to familiar routines and daily life (for example, la vie scolaire, la famille, les courses, les loisirs, la cuisine). They explain to others French terms and expressions that reflect cultural practices (such as bon appétit, bonne fête). They reflect on their own cultural identity in light of their experience of learning French, discussing how their ideas and ways of communicating are influenced by their membership of cultural groups.


Years 9 and 10 Work Sample Portfolios