What is French?
French as a Leaving Cert subject aims to bring students closer to fluency in the French language, as well as developing a good knowledge of literature, culture, geography, and national history to provide a context for communication. It builds on the knowledge acquired for the Junior certificate.
What kind of student might French suit?
Specific careers in which French would be of benefit include teaching, translation, interpreting, jounalism and media.
Third Level Entry Requirements
This subject is a requirement for entry into a number of third level courses. Click on the link below to view courses that definitly requires, or may require this subject for entry:
CAO Entry Requirements [Source: Qualifax]
Note: Click on course titles to view the exact requirements for each course listed.
Subject Content
Course content for Higher and Ordinary levels is similar. However, oral and written skills are particulary important at higher level. A grade 'C' at higher level in the Junior Certificate is usually mimimum requirement for higher level French at Leaving Certificate.
Modern languages require students to be proficient in the following skills
* Oral/speaking
* Written
* Aural/listening
* Reading
A wide variety of themes are covered, for example
* Family
* School
* Hobbies
* Sport
* Current affairs
Grammar and Cultural Awareness are essential elements of these courses.
Exam Structure
Mark Allocation for L.C. French
Section Higher Level Ordinary Level
Speaking 25% 20%
Listening Comprehension 20% 25%
Reading Comprehension 30% 40%
Writing 25% 15%
Leaving Certificate Exam Tips:
This takes place in March/April of 6th year. 13 mins - French
French Interview with examiner; students may prepare a document
Aural/Listening Exam (40 mins)
This exam takes place after the written examination in June. It involves listening to a variety of dialogues and news items in the target language and then answering in English.
Written Exam (2 ½ hours)
Reading Comprehension is worth 30% of total exam at Higher Level and 40% at Ordinary Level. There are literary and journalistic passages.
For Higher Level the written section involves formal and informal letters, diary entry, message/fax/email, expressing an opinion, and personalised writing.
Go to curriculum website
View / Download full curriculum [pdf file]
http://www.pdst.ie/sc/mfl/cresources
French as a Leaving Cert subject aims to bring students closer to fluency in the French language, as well as developing a good knowledge of literature, culture, geography, and national history to provide a context for communication. It builds on the knowledge acquired for the Junior certificate.
What kind of student might French suit?
- Anyone with an interest in French culture, history, and language.
- Students who are considering working in France, Canada, or international relations in the future.
- Students who can already speak French and want easy points.
Specific careers in which French would be of benefit include teaching, translation, interpreting, jounalism and media.
Third Level Entry Requirements
This subject is a requirement for entry into a number of third level courses. Click on the link below to view courses that definitly requires, or may require this subject for entry:
CAO Entry Requirements [Source: Qualifax]
Note: Click on course titles to view the exact requirements for each course listed.
Subject Content
Course content for Higher and Ordinary levels is similar. However, oral and written skills are particulary important at higher level. A grade 'C' at higher level in the Junior Certificate is usually mimimum requirement for higher level French at Leaving Certificate.
Modern languages require students to be proficient in the following skills
* Oral/speaking
* Written
* Aural/listening
* Reading
A wide variety of themes are covered, for example
* Family
* School
* Hobbies
* Sport
* Current affairs
Grammar and Cultural Awareness are essential elements of these courses.
Exam Structure
Mark Allocation for L.C. French
Section Higher Level Ordinary Level
Speaking 25% 20%
Listening Comprehension 20% 25%
Reading Comprehension 30% 40%
Writing 25% 15%
Leaving Certificate Exam Tips:
- the key to doing well is practice and individuality. The more reaction essays you write and the comprehension you read the easier it becomes.
- try to get your hands on as many past mock comprehensions as well as doing all the past papers so you are well trained in the format and question types.
- after each comprehension make sure it is correct using the marking scheme
- any vocabulary you don't undertsand should be noted and learned as you will most likely see it again or you will be able to use it in your written work.
- you should be able to express yourself and talk about different topics so a rich vocabulary is key.
- learn five new words every night going to bed and try to recall them in the morning
- an extensive knowledge of of the different tenses will be needed for all aspects of the French exam.
- some people find downloading french cd's onto their ipod and listening to it regularly is very helpful.
- when preparing for the aural exam, write out answers to common questions, learn these answers and practise saying them aloud so it comes across as natural as possible.
This takes place in March/April of 6th year. 13 mins - French
French Interview with examiner; students may prepare a document
Aural/Listening Exam (40 mins)
This exam takes place after the written examination in June. It involves listening to a variety of dialogues and news items in the target language and then answering in English.
Written Exam (2 ½ hours)
Reading Comprehension is worth 30% of total exam at Higher Level and 40% at Ordinary Level. There are literary and journalistic passages.
For Higher Level the written section involves formal and informal letters, diary entry, message/fax/email, expressing an opinion, and personalised writing.
Go to curriculum website
View / Download full curriculum [pdf file]
http://www.pdst.ie/sc/mfl/cresources
