French

As Aiglon College is based in the French speaking part of Switzerland, French is naturally regarded as a central element in our curriculum. It is offered throughout the school from BPF to 6th Form.

The department comprises 7 highly qualified members of staff and the results obtained by our students every summer always rank among the highest in school. We believe strongly in the use of the target language in the classroom and a contextual approach to the teaching of grammar. A variety of teaching/learning strategies are used, including reading and analysing texts, listening to pre-recorded material, watching documentaries and video archives from French television, and using standard grammar and conjugation exercises, both on paper and online.

We offer a wide range of public examinations. GCSE exams are available with EDEXCEL and we also provide more challenging exams such as IGCSE First Language with CIE for bilingual groups. Classes are setted, and our native speakers are given the opportunity to sit their GCSE external exams up to two years in advance. These students then have access to a more challenging programme (IGCSE First Language) which constitutes an ideal preparation for the demanding A1 option of the International Baccalaureate that they can start at the beginning of Sixth Form.

The Modern Languages classrooms are all equipped with state-of-the-art ICT equipment to support and enhance the delivery of the curriculum and provide a multi-sensory approach to learning for the students. Current facilities include a computer suite, a French library and a multimedia digital language laboratory where pupils are able to record themselves, practise their pronunciation and fluency and use individual video streaming.

The French department regularly tries to use every opportunity to use the local linguistic environment to support teaching and learning. Regular theatre outings are organised and trips to France linked to the A Level programme of studies take place every year.