KSHSSA Key Stage 3
FRENCH Grade Descriptors
LISTENING and READING
Grade
.0
.1
.2
.3
.4
.5
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Understand a few clear words that are very
familiar and repeated e.g. Greetings. Recognise
a few clear single words.
Recognise key verbs avoir/être and a few ER verbs
connectives phrases questions and verbs in a
familiar context with a little repetition. Also
recognises some cognates, connectives, sequencers,
adjectives and time expressions. Can work out new
words from existing knowledge.
Recognise and understand the key points and
familiar vocabulary in familiar contexts and
recognise a wider range of opinions cognates,
connectives, sequencers, adjectives, time
expressions and key ER verb forms. Use a dictionary.
Can understand and respond to passages involving a
range of different familiar topics with very little
repetition. Able to recognise the present and future
tenses. Can understand a range of positive and
negative opinions and adjectives. Shows some
awareness of two tenses.
Can understand longer passages involving present
and future tenses. Can identify the subject of the
sentence correctly. Recognises a wider range of
opinions both positive and negative.
Understand + respond to passages involving a range of
different familiar topics with very little repetition. Present
and future tenses. Understand a range of positive and
negative opinions and adjectives. Show some awareness
of two tenses.
Recognise a range of familiar words and
phrases that are often repeated slowly and
clearly. Recognise a range of familiar words in
a passage of French.
Recognise familiar short passages that are
repeated quite slowly and clearly. Basic
connectives and opinions Recognise familiar
words phrases and questions in a reading
passage. Use a bilingual dictionary to look up
new words.
Recognise key verbs avoir/être and a few ER
verbs connectives phrases questions and verbs
in a familiar context with a little repetition.
Also recognises some cognates, connectives,
sequencers, adjectives and time expressions.
Can work out new words from existing
knowledge.
Recognise and understand the key points and
familiar vocabulary in familiar contexts and
recognise a wider range of opinions cognates,
connectives, sequencers, adjectives, time
expressions and key ER verb forms. Use a
dictionary.
Can understand and respond to passages
involving a range of different familiar topics
with very little repetition. Able to recognise
the present and future tenses. Can understand
a range of positive and negative opinions and
adjectives. Shows some awareness of two
Understand and respond to longer passages in
present and future tenses in a wider range of topics,
ER verbs, avoir + être + aller. Can use existing
knowledge to interpret new material/vocabulary.
Use cognates to help comprehension and begin to
use context.
Begin to identify three tenses in longer passages
with a wider range of contexts. Recognition of past
tense using avoir. Spoken passages are at a more
natural speed. Able to understand both written and
spoken passages which include opinions and
justifications and cope with some unfamiliar
Understand longer passages involving present and future
tenses and identify the subject of the sentence correctly.
Recognise a wider range of opinions both positive and
negative.
Understand and respond to longer passages in present
and future tenses in a wider range of topics, ER verbs,
avoir + être + aller. Can use existing knowledge to
interpret new material/vocabulary. Use cognates to help
comprehension and begin to use context.
Begin to identify three tenses in longer passages with a
wider range of contexts. Recognition of past tense using
avoir. Spoken passages are at a more natural speed. Able
to understand both written and spoken passages which
include opinions and justifications and cope with some
unfamiliar vocabulary. Can pick out the relevant
information.
Identify and understand three tenses in longer passages
with a wider range of contexts. Recognition of past tense
using avoir and être. Spoken passages are at a more
natural speed. Able to understand with greater accuracy
both written and spoken passages which include opinions
and justifications and cope with some unfamiliar
vocabulary. Can pick out the relevant information.
Identify and understand three tenses in long passages
with a wide range of contexts. Accurate recognition of
past tense using avoir and être. Spoken passages are at a
more natural speed. Able to understand with greater
accuracy both written and spoken passages which include
opinions and justifications and cope with unfamiliar
KSHSSA Key Stage 3
.6
.7
.8
.9
FRENCH Grade Descriptors
tenses.
vocabulary. Can pick out the relevant information.
vocabulary. Can pick out the relevant information with
greater ease..
Can understand longer passages involving
present and future tenses. Can identify the
subject of the sentence correctly. Recognises a
wider range of opinions both positive and
negative.
Identify and understand three tenses in longer
passages with a wider range of contexts.
Recognition of past tense using avoir and être.
Spoken passages are at a more natural speed. Able
to understand with greater accuracy both written
and spoken passages which include opinions and
justifications and cope with some unfamiliar
vocabulary. Can pick out the relevant information.
Identify and understand three tenses in long
passages with a wide range of contexts. Accurate
recognition of past tense using avoir and être.
Spoken passages are at a more natural speed. Able
to understand with greater accuracy both written
and spoken passages which include opinions and
justifications and cope with unfamiliar vocabulary.
Can pick out the relevant information with greater
ease.
Show a good understanding of passages of
substantial length which include 4 tenses:
present/past perfect/ some imperfect/ future tense.
Can understand complex sequencing structures such
as avant de + infinitive and depuis + present tense.
Can confidently recognise the key verbs which use
être in the past tense and opinions in the different
tenses.
EP. Show a very good understanding of passages of
substantial length which include 4 tenses:
present/past perfect/ some imperfect/ future tense.
Can understand complex sequencing structures such
as avant de + infinitive and depuis + present tense
with greater accuracy. Can confidently recognise the
key verbs which use être in the past tense and
opinions in the different tenses. Evaluate relevancy
of information and be aware of superfluous details.
Show a good understanding of passages of substantial
length which include 4 tenses: present/past perfect/ some
imperfect/ future tense. Can understand complex
sequencing structures such as avant de + infinitive and
depuis + present tense. Can confidently recognise the key
verbs which use être in the past tense and opinions in the
different tenses.
Understand and respond to longer passages in
present and future tenses in a wider range of
topics, ER verbs, avoir + être + aller. Can use
existing knowledge to interpret new
material/vocabulary. Use cognates to help
comprehension and begin to use context.
Begin to identify three tenses in longer
passages with a wider range of contexts.
Recognition of past tense using avoir. Spoken
passages are at a more natural speed. Able to
understand both written and spoken passages
which include opinions and justifications and
cope with some unfamiliar vocabulary. Can
pick out the relevant information.
EP. Identify and understand three tenses in
longer passages with a wider range of
contexts. Recognition of past tense using avoir
and être. Spoken passages are at a more
natural speed. Able to understand with greater
accuracy both written and spoken passages
which include opinions and justifications and
cope with some unfamiliar vocabulary. Can
pick out the relevant information.
Show a very good understanding of passages of
substantial length which include 4 tenses: present/past
perfect/ some imperfect/ future tense. Can understand
complex sequencing structures such as avant de +
infinitive and depuis + present tense with greater
accuracy. Can confidently recognise the key verbs which
use être in the past tense and opinions in the different
tenses. Evaluate relevancy of information and be aware of
superfluous details.
Extremely accurate understanding and interpretation of a
wide range of language involving complex sequencing
structures, different subjects. Begin to demonstrate some
understanding of authentic pieces. Evaluate relevancy of
information and show good awareness of superfluous
details.
EP. Demonstrate exceptional comprehension of written
and spoken language at normal speed for a non-native
speaker.
Aware of register, able to use a dictionary efficiently and is
able to make links and spot patterns in unfamiliar
vocabulary.
KSHSSA Key Stage 3
FRENCH Grade Descriptors
WRITING - TRANSLATION - SPEAKING
Grade
.0
.1
.2
.3
.4
.5
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Can write or say a few short sentences from memory. Apply
correct articles. Use the relevant parts of 2/3different verbs
to write/talk about self. (Je m’appelle/ j’ai/ je suis). Word
order is generally correct..Awareness of basic sound
patterns (silent “H” and final “S ) Spelling is understandable.
Write short texts on familiar topics from memory, adapting
language already learnt. Express simple opinions
Some variety of verbs in the present tense with one or
2subjects. Some adjectives/some sequencers /time expressions.
Take part in simple conversations supported by visual /other
clues.
Write short texts on familiar topics from memory, adapting
language already learnt. Express simple opinions. Use a variety
of verbs ER /AVOIR/ETRE/ALLER/PRENDRE in the present tense
with different subjects / some connectives/ some
adjectives/some sequencers/ intensifiers/ time expressions
.Express positive & negative opinions. Take part in simple
conversations supported by visual /other clues.
Write short texts on a range of familiar topics, using a range of
sentences from memory. Take part in short conversations,
seeking and conveying information, opinions and reasons in
simple terms.
Evidence of present & future tenses with some time
expressions. Can vary sentences and produce more extended
responses. Some variety of verbs range of verbs. Give short
prepared talks
Write short texts on a range of familiar topics, using simple
sentences. Take part in short conversations, seeking and conveying
information, opinions and reasons in simple terms.
Evidence of 2 tenses with some time expressions and a limited range
of verbs. Use dictionaries or glossaries to check words they have
learnt and to look up unknown words.
Take part in short conversations, seeking and conveying
information, opinions and reasons in simple terms.
Refer to recent experiences or future plans, as well as everyday
activities and interests. Can vary sentences and produce more
extended responses. Use of a range of verbs including reflexive
verbs.
Write short texts on familiar topics from memory Express
simple positive & negative opinions. Some variety of verbs in
the present tense with one or 2subjects. Some
adjectives/some sequencers /time expressions. Take part in
simple conversations supported by visual /other clues. More
accurate application of grammar.
Use a variety of verbs ER /AVOIR/ETRE/ALLER/PRENDRE/ in
the present tense with different subjects / some
connectives/ some adjectives/some sequencers/
intensifiers/ time expressions .Express positive & negative
opinions. Good level of accuracy
Begin to speak more spontaneously. Use the present & the
future quite accurately with some variety in the use of verbs.
Some reflexive verbs. Produce some extended sentences.
Write short texts on a range of familiar topics, using a range
of sentences from memory. Take part in short conversations,
seeking and conveying information, opinions and reasons in
simple terms.
Evidence of present & future tenses with some time
expressions. Can vary sentences and produce more
extended responses. Some variety of verbs range of verbs.
Give short prepared talks
Evidence of 3 tenses (present, past and near future) with some
time expressions. Use of the past tense with AVOIR. Take part in
conversations and write using a variety of structures and
producing more detailed or extended responses. Use knowledge
of grammar in new contexts. Awareness of new patterns of
pronunciation (sound of past participles)
Evidence of 3 tenses (present, past and near future) with some time
expressions. Use of the past tense with AVOIR. Take part in
conversations and write using a variety of structures and producing
more detailed or extended responses. Use knowledge of grammar in
new contexts. Awareness of new patterns of pronunciation (sound
of past participles)
Use of a reasonable range of verbs with ETRE and AVOIR in the past
tense and at least 2 different subjects. 3 tense. Use of a variety of
sentences with a good level of accuracy. Use of a wider range of
time expressions/sequencers/connectives. Write in paragraphs and
takes part in longer conversations. Express a range of positive and
negative opinions, some are justified
Use 3 tenses . Use of a good range of verbs with ETRE and AVOIR in
the past tense and different subjects. A variety of sentences with a
good level of accuracy. Write in paragraphs and take part in longer
conversations. Justify opinions. Pronunciation is generally correct.
Take part in brief prepared speaking tasks. Can answer and
ask simple questions. Use the relevant parts of 3 different
verbs to write/talk about self and other people.
(il/elle/est/a/s’appelle) Can connect sentences. Write basic
negative sentences. Word order is generally correct.
Write short texts on familiar topics from memory. Express
simple positive & negative opinions. Use of a limited range
of ER verbs and ETRE&AVOIR in the present tense with
one/2 subjects. Some adjectives/some sequencers /time
expressions. Take part in simple conversations supported by
visual /other clues. Awareness of more sound patterns (rule
on final consonants)
Use the present & the future with a good level of accuracy and
with different subjects. Use different regular and irregular verb
including reflexive verbs. Produce a variety of extended
sentences. Pronunciation quite accurate with application of the
rules covered..
Evidence of 3 tenses (present, past and near future) with some time
expressions. Use of the past tense with AVOIR. Take part in
conversations and write using a variety of structures and producing
more detailed or extended responses. Use knowledge of grammar in
new contexts.
KSHSSA Key Stage 3
.6
.7
.8
.9
FRENCH Grade Descriptors
Give short prepared talks that include expressing opinions.
Begin to speak more spontaneously. Use the present & the
future quite accurately with some variety in the use of verbs.
Some reflexive verbs. Produce some extended sentences.
Use 3 tenses. Use of a wider range of verbs with ETRE in the
past tense (ALLER and reflexive verbs) with one or 2 subjects.
Use of a variety of sentences with some correct use of verbs.
Use of a wider range of time expressions/sequencers. Write in
paragraphs and take part in longer conversations. Express a
range of positive and negative opinions, some are justified.
Pronunciation is generally correct.
Use the present & the future with a good level of accuracy
and with different subjects. Use different regular and
irregular verb including reflexive verbs. Produce a variety of
extended sentences. Pronunciation quite accurate with
application of the rules covered.
Use 3 tenses. Use of a good range of verbs with ETRE and AVOIR
in the past tense and different subjects. A variety of sentences
with a good level of accuracy. Write in paragraphs and take part
in longer conversations. Justify opinions. Pronunciation is
generally correct.
Evidence of 3 tenses (present, past and near future) with
some time expressions. Use of the past tense with AVOIR.
Take part in conversations and write using a variety of
structures and producing more detailed or extended
responses. Use knowledge of grammar in new contexts.
Awareness of new patterns of pronunciation (sound of past
participles)
Use of a good range of verbs with ETRE and AVOIR in the past
tense with different subjects. A variety of sentences with a good
level of accuracy. Use a good range of time
expressions/sequencers/connectives. A range of positive and
negative opinions with justifications. Use advanced sequencing
structures (avant de+ infinitive) and complex time expressions
(depuis/ pendant/ il y a) correctly. Some use of the imperfect
tense.
3 tenses. Use of a limited range of verbs with ETRE in the
past tense (ALLER and reflexive verbs) with different
subjects. Use of a variety of sentences with good level of
accuracy in the use of verbs. Use of a wider range of time
expressions/sequencers. Write in paragraphs and take part
in longer conversations. Express a range of positive and
negative opinions, some are justified. Pronunciation is
generally clear & application of known sound patterns.
Write about real and imaginary subjects. Structure ideas and
adapt previously learnt language Edit and redraft work, using
reference
sources to improve accuracy, precision and variety of
expression. Use of more advanced sequencing expressions (
Après avoir+ past participle). Use of the imperfect tense in
weather expressions and with verbs AVOIR & ETRE
Use of a good range of verbs with ETRE and AVOIR in the past tense
with different subjects. A variety of sentences with a good level of
accuracy. Use a good range of time
expressions/sequencers/connectives. A range of positive and
negative opinions with justifications. Use advanced sequencing
structures (avant de+ infinitive) and complex time expressions
(depuis/ pendant/ il y a) correctly. Some use of the imperfect tense.
Use of idioms.
Write about real and imaginary subjects. Structure ideas and adapt
previously learnt language Edit and redraft work, using reference
sources to improve accuracy, precision and variety of expression.
Use of more advanced sequencing expressions ( Après avoir+ past
participle). Use of the imperfect tense in weather expressions and
with verbs AVOIR & ETRE
Use 5 tenses More systematic use of the imperfect tense (to
express what used to be) and use of the conditional. Write about
real and imaginary subjects. Structure ideas and adapt previously
learnt language
Edit and redraft work, using reference sources to improve accuracy,
precision and variety of expression. Use of more advanced
sequencing expressions (Après avoir+ past participle).) More
advanced relative pronouns (ce que/ce qui). Application of complex
sound patterns (eille/en/ou/ant)
Initiates and develop conversation. Discuss/write about personal
and topical matters relevant to teenagers (fitness/ social life/
relationships/ future job plans...). Apply knowledge of grammar to
new contexts. High level of accuracy. Use of subjunctive phrases.
Wide variety of sentences and language features including a range
of idioms. Pronunciation and intonation are very accurate with a
good understanding of more difficult sound patterns.
.