Watch now: To find out more about this curriculum area, watch ‘Understanding the Victorian Curriculum F–10 Version 2.0, French’ on the Resources page.

Rationale and Aims

Rationale

Communication is a human imperative. Communication in French involves interaction to convey meaning, as well as imagination, creativity and a broad understanding of ourselves and others. Language learning provides the opportunity for students to engage with the linguistic and cultural diversity of the world and its peoples, and to reflect on their experience in various aspects of social life, including their own participation and ways of being in the world.

Learning French broadens students’ horizons in relation to the personal, social, cultural and employment opportunities that an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world can offer. The interdependence of countries and communities means people in all spheres of life are required to negotiate experiences and meanings across languages and cultures. A capability solely in English, despite its status as a world language, can limit global opportunities. A bilingual or plurilingual capability is the norm in many parts of the world.

Learning French develops learners’:

• communication skills
• literacy skills in their first and additional languages
• intercultural capabilities
• understanding of, and respect for, diversity and difference, and openness to different experiences and perspectives
• understanding and appreciation of how culture shapes worldviews, and extends their understanding of themselves, and their own heritage, values, culture and identity
• critical and creative thinking.

French has been taught in Victorian schools and universities since the 1880s. It is a major world language, spoken as the first language in more than 24 countries on 5 continents, and as an official language in many countries. First-language speakers include the inhabitants of mainland France, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, and the Wallis and Futuna Islands, the majority of the inhabitants of Quebec, and significant communities in Europe and Africa.

French is widely used in diplomacy and is the official language of many international organisations. French speakers and French culture have contributed to the shaping of global movements and influenced the arts, philosophy and cultural theory, as well as fashion, design, food and wine.

Learning French provides opportunities for students to engage socially, culturally and economically in many domains, such as business, trade, science, law, education, tourism, diplomacy, international relations, health and communications. Current links between Australia and the French-speaking world are strong, characterised by bilateral relationships in trade and investment, education, research and development in science and technology, humanitarian and environmental initiatives, communications, and strategic and defence priorities. The Pacific region is a particularly important focus of bilateral engagement.

Aims

The 4 interrelated aims of the French curriculum are to develop knowledge, understanding and skills to ensure students:

• communicate in French
• understand the relationship between language and culture
• develop intercultural capabilities
• understand themselves as communicators.