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communicate with increasing independence, confidence and creativity. As learning is a social
activity as well as a personal one and as communication is central to language, learning languages
offers students ample opportunities to work with others to develop their language skills and
achieve appropriate goals.
D Language learning also broadens students’ horizons and enables them to develop a lifelong
learning skill for education, leisure and work, and to develop a positive attitude towards other
languages and cultures. The society we live in has become multilingual.

What is the Junior Cert Exam Like?
The syllabus aims to cater for the entire ability range of pupils. Assessment is one Common
level and is by:
> Aural examination (Listening to a c.d.) 40% approx.
> Reading and Written examination at end of 3rd year 60%.
> There are also 2 Classroom Based Assessments (CBA’s) - One in Second year (Oral Communication).
and one in Third year (Collection of Texts).

Homework
The French Department adhere to the school policy regarding homework.
> Homework is given on a nightly basis.
> Students are given written and/or learning homework to reinforce material covered in class and
assist teachers in their ongoing assessment of students work.
> Each student records her homework in her journal.
> Students do their written homework into their copybook.
> Homework is checked and corrected during the next class.
> Copies are collected on a weekly basis.

Similarities to Other Subjects covered in National School?
The study of modern foreign languages enables students to build on their language learning in English
and Irish from Primary school and further develops their skills in and enjoyment of using languages.

Progression after The Junior Cycle?
Leaving Certificate French follows a common syllabus framework for the teaching and examining of
modern languages in the Leaving Certificate. 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 is by means of a written examination, and an Aural
and Oral examination at two levels, Ordinary level and Higher level.

Career Note
Students who leave third level with a language as part of their degree are highly sought after by
employers. You can also study in France for a year as part of a degree program in university (Erasmus
Program). French is particularly useful if you want a career in business, banking, medical, science,
education, translation and tourism, as well as many other areas. You will also find modern languages
useful in your personal life for travelling etc.

Au revoir et à bientôt!

24 St. Mary's Secondary School First Year Subject Choice