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Frenchteacher case study

Anne Swainston and Matthew Thomas-Peter teach French and Spanish at my former school Ripon Grammar School, a selective mixed grammar school. They have been kind enough to write about how the school currently uses the frenchteacher resources:



"We use frenchteacher.net across our whole 11-18 age range to complement our Tricolore course at KS3-4 and particularly the OUP/Kerboodle A-level courses. 

At KS3 the free powerpoints (both French and Spanish) are great for introducing new vocabulary and there are numerous imaginative, stimulating and varied worksheets which also help develop vocabulary knowledge and reinforce grammar points. At KS4 we like to use the grammar worksheets, comprehension material and, leading up to GCSE exams, we make use of the powerpoint and Word signs for revision.

We like the fact that most texts are based on authentic sources and that the material is constantly being updated. The advanced level section has a wealth of activities which complement and support the AS/A2 course, but which also cover other interesting subject areas. We use them as starting points for discussions, for aural and written comprehension, vocabulary extension and grammar reinforcement. They are also ideal for setting homework. The AS level oral booklets come in very useful during topic work and in the run-up to speaking tests in May.

We also value the material which relates to the A-level cultural topics. For example we regularly use the set of worksheets relating to Les Petits Enfants du Siècle by Christiane Rochefort.

We also make regular use of the sentences for translation at A2 level. They prepare our students well for parts of the A-level examination. Our students comment that they find them extremely useful for grammar and vocabulary revision and feel they benefit enormously from them. We shall be trying out the links for listening practice soon. 

As classroom practitioners, we enjoy reading Steve’s blog and his ideas on methodology which are always interesting and thought-provoking."

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