French culture has a huge influence throughout the world be it through art, film, literature or sport. The French language is the 11th most spoken language in the world, spoken by about 77 million people across the world. It is an official language in various communities and organizations such as the European Union, United Nations and the Olympic Committee. It is also an official language in many parts of Africa, as well as Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, and Luxembourg.

 

At Passmores students are given the opportunity not only learn the French language but also to have an appreciation of French culture. In recent years the Department has taken students on a trip to Normandy where students have had a real opportunity to practice their French and gain a better appreciation of French society. Throughout the course students study various topics which develop their communication skills and their understanding grammar.

 

We live in a global society where language learning is becoming an increasing important life long skill, with this in mind the department strives to foster positive language learning attitudes.

 

"Learning to speak another's language means taking one's place in the human community.  It means reaching out to others across cultural and linguistic boundaries.  Language is far more than a system to be explained.  It is our most important link to the world around us.  Language is culture in motion.  It is people interacting with people."

 

Sandra Savignon  Communicative Competence: Theory  and Classroom Practice. Reading, MA Addison Wesley, 1983, p. 187.