TUI representative says gulf growing between two levels

Junior Certificate FrenchThe decision to produce the Higher level French paper in colour format, while setting the Ordinary level paper in black and white and with unclear images, has been criticised by Junior Certificate French teachers.

In an era where students have grown up in a world of attractive and multicoloured visuals, the French papers have failed to keep pace and appear dull and uninteresting, according to Ann Weafer, a TUI subject representative and teacher at St Thomas's community college in Bray, Co Wicklow.

"Some of the photographs and graphics have been used on these papers since Jacques Chirac was a lad," Ms Weafer said. She added that if the papers were updated in terms of colour, design and layout, it might add to students' enthusiasm for the subject.

Comprehensions ranging from a chocolate cake recipe to the price of property in France and the story of a 19-year-old student from Afghanistan who now lives in France were deemed accessible and fair texts by Maire Ní Chiarba, an ASTI representative and teacher at Coláiste an Phiarsaigh, Gleann Maghair, Co Cork.

Standard written questions based on sending a postcard and a letter to a penpal in France appeared yesterday, much to the satisfaction of students and teachers alike.

The aural exam at both Higher and Ordinary level was of suitable speed and variety and posed few difficulties, according to Ms Weafer. She noted however that the "gulf" between Higher and Ordinary level French was growing.

"There is no comparison between the two papers at all, which in a way could be problematic in the future because when Junior Cert students proceed to the senior cycle, the gulf will be enormous," she said.