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• VCFRU030

  Experiment with the pronunciation of vowel sounds, letter combinations and intonation patterns, and recognise and write high-frequency words and expressions in familiar contexts

  Elaborations

  • creating an alphabet bank, collecting words that begin with each letter, for example, H: l’hiver, l’homme, l’hôtel; M: mai, mardi, le mouchoir; P: le pain, Papa, le poisson
  • recognising and practising the most common vowel sounds, such as ou (vous, jour), oi (toi, voiture), on (bonbon, mon), ai (aimer, j’ai), ain (train, demain) and eau (chȃteau, beau)
  • observing differences in pronunciation of word endings shared with English such as -tion and -ent, for example, attention, situation, commencement, accident
  • understanding that some letters blend to make single sounds (such as -ille, -eau or qu-), that some final consonants in French words are usually silent (for example, le rat, le tapis, vert, chez) and some are usually pronounced (for example, chic, actif)

  VCFRU030 | Languages | French | F–10 Sequence | Levels 3 and 4 | Understanding | Systems of language

• French - F–10 Sequence: Foundation to Level 2 description

  Students become familiar with the sound systems of the French language, including pronunciation, rhythm, pitch and stress. They learn to pronounce individual letters and letter combinations, including unfamiliar sounds such as -eau, -u, è, é, ou, r and g. They recognise and use the...

  Level description | Languages | French | F–10 Sequence

• VCFRC098

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

  Elaborations

  • 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

  VCFRC098 | Languages | French | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Communicating | Translating

• VCFRU103

  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

  Elaborations

  • 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)
  • 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

  VCFRU103 | Languages | French | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Understanding | Systems of language

• VCFRU066

  Recognise individual elements of spoken and written words, phrases and non-verbal forms of expression, and notice how they combine to make or to change meaning

  Elaborations

  • recognising the function and form of commonly used morphemes, suffixes and prefixes (for example, la camionette, désordre, désagréable, irrégulier, inacceptable, la danseuse), and collecting groups of words that share a common stem (for example, la bouche, la bouchée; le jardin, jardiner, le jardinage)
  • recognising the impact of non-verbal elements of French expression such as hand gestures to replace words (for example, c’est nul, ça suffit!, quoi encore?), or sounds and facial expressions to reinforce spoken language (for example, oh là là! Aïe! T’as fait quoi?)
  • revising the pronunciation of the alphabet, practising spelling out words and using the correct terms for letters and symbols, for example, g, h, j, w, accent aigu, accent cédille
  • distinguishing vowel sounds, for example by recognising distinctions between nasal vowel sounds (cinq, sympa/manger, entre/dont, des bonbons)

  VCFRU066 | Languages | French | F–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Understanding | Systems of language

• Languages | French: Learning in French

  French language learning

  French is an Indo-European language and belongs to the family of Romance languages derived from the spoken Latin language of the Roman Empire. It is closely related to English, due to the shared influence of Latin and to the fact that French was the official language of...

  Overview material | French

• VCFRC044

  Translate simple texts from French to English and vice versa, noticing which words or phrases require interpretation or explanation

  Elaborations

  • finding and using phrases that have direct translations between French and English, for example, Bonsoir/ ‘good evening’, un beau jour/ ‘one fine day’, Messieurs-Dames/ ‘Ladies and Gentlemen’
  • creating French versions of Australian school signs and notices, considering why some words or expressions require freer translation than others, for example, the swimming pool, the sports oval, the tuck shop, the library, the office
  • interpreting expressions in familiar texts such as greeting cards or story titles that do not translate easily into English (for example, bonne fête! Quelle porcherie!), and considering how these expressions reflect aspects of French language or culture
  • 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 Toussaint, la Fête de la Musique

  VCFRC044 | Languages | French | F–10 Sequence | Levels 5 and 6 | Communicating | Translating

• VCFRC045

  Create own bilingual texts and learning resources such as displays, websites, newsletters or word banks

  Elaborations

  • creating parallel lists of informal French and English expressions for everyday interactions with friends and family, for example, à tout à l’heure! /‘ See you later’; génial/ ‘cool’; salut, ça va!/ ‘Good day!’; Amuse-toi bien/ ‘have fun’; bisous/ ‘love’
  • composing bilingual texts such as posters for class or school assembly performances, events or displays, for example, Les pays francophones, les fêtes françaises, le 14 juillet
  • using bilingual dictionaries and electronic translation tools to compose bilingual texts such as captions, menus or school timetables, comparing results and noticing problems associated with translation
  • constructing and co-maintaining a bilingual website with a sister-school or contact group of young English learners in a French-speaking community
  • creating bilingual texts for younger readers based on models such as Oops et Ohlala, involving one English-speaking and one French-speaking character and incorporating instances of possible intercultural miscommunication

  VCFRC045 | Languages | French | F–10 Sequence | Levels 5 and 6 | Communicating | Translating

• VCFRC009

  Create simple print or digital texts that use both French and English, such as labels, word banks, wall charts or ID cards

  Elaborations

  • collecting French and English words that are similar or identical and have the same meaning but are pronounced differently, for example, la police, la table, la routine, six
  • designing and using bilingual fiches personnelles with identifying details supplied in both languages, for example, nom, prénom(s), ȃge, mes amis sont…, j’habite…, j’aime…
  • writing captions in French and in English for a photographic display to record a class event or experience such as sports day, school camp or pets day
  • making own bilingual picture dictionaries with captions, stickers and simple descriptions to explain culture-specific terms such as la bise, le goûter or la rentrée

  VCFRC009 | Languages | French | F–10 Sequence | Foundation to Level 2 | Communicating | Translating

• VCFRC010

  Notice how using French feels and sounds different to using own language(s) and involves behaviours as well as words

  Elaborations

  • noticing French ways of talking and behaving that appear different to own ways, finding examples in children’s stories such as Marie de Paris or Je veux pas aller à l’école or in recordings of French-speaking children in different contexts
  • comparing aspects of Australian and French children’s lifestyles, such as ways of playing games, buying and eating food or interacting with family members, for example, school cantine meals, daily greetings in the family
  • using French versions of spontaneous exclamations or interactions, for example, Aïe! instead of ouch!, or ça va! plus hand gestures or facial expressions when responding to a greeting
  • including some French words and expressions in English conversation when it feels appropriate (for example, bon…voilà, pardon, merci, attention!), noticing changes in behaviour, voice or body language when speaking French

  VCFRC010 | Languages | French | F–10 Sequence | Foundation to Level 2 | Communicating | Reflecting

• VCFRC063

  Create bilingual texts such as glossaries, menus, captions or brochures, identifying words or expressions that carry specific cultural meaning in either language

  Elaborations

  • creating glossaries for French-speaking friends to accompany Australian images or texts, explaining, for example, outback lifestyle, inner-city markets, abbreviations such as ‘barbie’ and ‘brekkie’
  • composing menus or programs for French-themed events, including footnotes in English to explain key terms or items, for example, le plat du jour, service compris, l’entr’acte, la mise en scène
  • creating tourist brochures or itineraries for young Australian travellers to French- speaking regions or countries, supplying key words, phrases and cultural protocols, for example, Encore une fois, s’il vous plaȋt; je vais prendre ceci, ça coûte combien? où sont les toilettes? Je vous remercie, Madame — Je vous en prie, Madame

  VCFRC063 | Languages | French | F–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Communicating | Translating

• VCFRU012

  Recognise and reproduce the sounds and rhythms of spoken French, noticing how they are produced and how they are represented in words and symbols

  Elaborations

  • building phonic awareness by recognising and experimenting with sounds and rhythms, focusing on those that are novel and initially difficult such as u (tu), r (très rapide) and -ion (attention!)
  • listening closely to distinguish between sounds such as bon, bien and beau or chien, chat and champ
  • understanding that intonation patterns create different meanings, as in the distinction between statements, questions and exclamations (Tu as six ans. Tu as six ans? Tu as six ans!)
  • developing pronunciation, phrasing and intonation skills by singing, reciting and repeating words and phrases in context
  • becoming familiar with the French alphabet, noticing similarities and differences to English, for example, double-v, i-grec, and the possible confusion between g and j

  VCFRU012 | Languages | French | F–10 Sequence | Foundation to Level 2 | Understanding | Systems of language

• VCFRU048

  Recognise and apply features of intonation, pronunciation and writing conventions used in different types of texts and contexts

  Elaborations

  • recognising and using liaisons when appropriate, for example, les élèves, les petits enfants, joyeux anniversaire
  • understanding that the letter h is never pronounced and is referred to as a silent letter, for example, l’hôtel, l’herbe, heureux, habiter, le héros, la hache
  • understanding that the aigu -é at the end of a word is pronounced, unlike -e without an accent (for example, le passé, je passe; le soufflé, je souffle), and that other accents also change the sound of a letter, for example, the cédille (ç) softens the c sound (le garçon, la façon, le français)
  • recognising how pitch, stress and rhythm help to convey meaning even if individual words are unfamiliar, for example, J’ai eu très, très peur! D-o-u-c-e-m-e-n-t…
  • applying phonic and grammatical knowledge to spelling and writing unfamiliar words, for example, letter combinations such as -eau, -eur or -ette, and words involving two or more distinct vowel sounds, such as la voiture, important, le pompier, l’aspirateur, la ceinture

  VCFRU048 | Languages | French | F–10 Sequence | Levels 5 and 6 | Understanding | Systems of language

• VCFRC026

  Translate high-frequency words and expressions in simple texts such as captions, story titles or recurring lines in a story, noticing which ones are difficult to interpret

  Elaborations

  • identifying and comparing key words in French and English versions of favourite stories (for example, La chenille qui fait des trous and The Very Hungry Caterpillar; La vieille dame qui avala une mouche and The Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly), and comparing rhythms and vocal effects in the two versions
  • playing matching-pair games with French and English word cards, for example, Le Calendrier, matching words in both languages for days of the week, months and seasons
  • collecting and using French words and expressions which do not translate easily into English (for example, bon appétit, bon voyage, voilà!) and French words used by English speakers, for example, ‘café’, ‘éclair’, ‘mousse’, ‘chic’
  • finding English words in French texts (for example, l’Internet, le sandwich), and considering how French speakers might pronounce the English words and why they are not translated

  VCFRC026 | Languages | French | F–10 Sequence | Levels 3 and 4 | Communicating | Translating

• VCFRC007

  Participate in shared performance and presentation of stories, songs or nursery rhymes, playing with sound patterns, rhyming words and non-verbal forms of expression

  Elaborations

  • performing songs, rhymes and action stories using non-verbal forms of expression such as clapping, gestures and facial expressions to support the making of meaning
  • creating and presenting own Big Books, storyboards or digital texts based on imaginary scenarios in familiar contexts (for example, Petit Ours Brun fait un tour à notre classe), building on key words and phrases, and using punctuation to guide intonation and drawings to support written text
  • creating rhythms for difficult or complicated phrases or intonation patterns, such as Comment t’appelles-tu? Qu’est-ce que tu manges pour le petit déjeuner? Le chocolat chaud

  VCFRC007 | Languages | French | F–10 Sequence | Foundation to Level 2 | Communicating | Creating

• VCFRC008

  Translate simple French words, phrases and gestures for family and friends, noticing how they may have similar or different meanings in English or other known languages

  Elaborations

  • recognising that every language has its own words, sounds and gestures to make meaning, and using French and/or English to name familiar objects and conduct simple conversations, translating when necessary to help others understand
  • sharing and interpreting simple expressions and songs with friends and family, for example, showing them how to sing Joyeux anniversaire or explaining how to use appropriate greetings for different times or occasions, such as Salut, Bonsoir or Bonne fête
  • demonstrating and explaining hand gestures, intonation patterns or facial expressions that accompany language or stand alone, for example, shrugs or exclamations such as Bof! Mais non! Ouf! Oh là là!

  VCFRC008 | Languages | French | F–10 Sequence | Foundation to Level 2 | Communicating | Translating

• VCFRU031

  Notice and apply elements of French grammar such as word order, gender and singular/plural forms, adverbs, pronouns and prepositions in simple spoken and written texts

  Elaborations

  • developing a metalanguage in French for talking about language, using terms similar to those used in English, such as le verbe, l’adjectif, l’adverbe, la conjonction and le vocabulaire
  • observing the relationship between subject pronouns and verb endings, using je/tu/il/elle + present tense of verbs associated with familiar actions and environments, for example, il chante bien, je suis fatigué, tu aimes le yaourt, elle est en classe
  • expressing negation in simple sentence structures and colloquial expressions, for example, je ne sais pas; elle ne mange pas; tu ne viens pas? Pas du tout!
  • understanding the difference between definite and indefinite articles, and how to refer to a specific or unspecific person, place or object, for example, tu manges la pomme, j’achète un livre, une vȃche énorme, le climat français
  • understanding the function of verb moods, recognising and knowing how to use statements, simple questions and imperatives, for example, Tu peux commencer; je peux commencer? Commence!
  • using an increasing range of adjectives (for example, bizarre, magnifique, formidable), including additional gender forms, for example, blanc/blanche, gros/grosse
  • using some adverbs to elaborate on simple verb statements, for example, elle mange lentement, je chante doucement, il parle très vite
  • using additional prepositions to indicate direction or location, for example, à gauche, à droite, à côté de
  • strengthening vocabulary knowledge by making connections with known words (for example, triste, la tristesse; le marché, le supermarché, le marchand), recognising word patterns and building word clusters, for example, number knowledge to 60+, words associated with food, family members or sports

  VCFRU031 | Languages | French | F–10 Sequence | Levels 3 and 4 | Understanding | Systems of language

• VCFRC112

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

  Elaborations

  • 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

  VCFRC112 | Languages | French | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Informing

• French - F–10 Sequence: Levels 7 and 8 achievement standards

  By the end of Level 8, students use written and spoken French to interact with teachers, peers and others and exchange experiences, opinions and views. They use descriptive and expressive language to talk and write about immediate environments, personal interests and feelings and technical language...

  Level description | Languages | French | F–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8

• French - 7–10 Sequence: Levels 7 and 8 description

  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,...

  Level description | Languages | French | 7–10 Sequence