Proper planning and access to the best resources available will help you achieve VCE success!

We have identified several essential resources for students preparing for French Language VCE studies.

1. Learn the rules of the game at the VCE French website.

Albert Einstein said, "You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else". To get the rules, visit the VCAA French Study page.

Some of the main resources available on this site:

• Study Summary (doc – 56.5kb) (February 2013)
  A summary of the VCE French Study Design for 2005–2016.
  
  
• Assessment Handbook (doc – 275.5kb) (Updated August 2013)
  Contains assessment advice for both school-assessed coursework and examinations, including the examination criteria. 
  
  
• Examination Reports
  Find past exams and sample exams for French
  
  
• Study Advice
  Contains resources to assist in the implementation of Units 1–4, including detailed study samples and assessment advice for Units 1 and 2.
  
  

2. Use the dictionary.

Larousse online dictionary delivers clear and comprehensive translations with relevant illustrations. This online resource contains over 135,000 definitions, as well as tips to help avoid common errors. This online source provides over 92,000 synonyms and antonyms and a databae of natural phrases.

The preferred online dictionary for native French speakers is Reverso. One reason for its popularity could be the Collaborative Dictionary, in which users of the site collaborate with each other and provide their own definitions of modern French words and expressions, as well as of specialised terms and urban words.

WordReference.com

Wordreference.com.au is the Internet’s leading online multilingual dictionary and is extremely handy for people who know more than one language. If you have a specific question, check out the forums, which are well-organised and monitored by people who are genuinely interested in helping.

3. Build your vocabulary.

Using flashcards is a brilliant way to increase vocabulary retention and memorise verb conjugations. Anki is a great app for creating your own flashcard decks – or you can choose from hundreds of their pre-loaded options.

Another tip is to learn the top 1,000 French words, effortlessly. Knowing all of these words instinctively will help both your speaking and writing skills by providing a solid vocabulary base. You can find the list here: http://french.languagedaily.com/wordsandphrases/most-common-words

 4. Try a French grammar guide.

For many new French learners, French grammar can be a challenge. A resource specifically designed to assist with French grammar can be found at: http://www.languageguide.org/french/grammar/

5. How about some fun and games?

Let’s face it, it important to allow for downtime in order to relax and recharge. Ditch the Flappy Birds and Candy Crush games and opt instead for an equally fun app called Duolingo. It is free. Students can quickly advance to their appropriate level by testing out at various checkpoints. All you need to sign up is an email address, Facebook account, or Google account.

For some fun with crossword puzzles, there are two excellent resources: BBC Crossword and – created by foreign language teachers – MFL Crossword, which has loads of other resources, such as other games and worksheets, well worth checking out.

6. Tap into French language radio or TV.

TV5MONDE is the leading French language channel, broadcasting 24 hours a day, 7 days a week without commercial interruption. You will find a wide range of entertaining programs to view on this site: apprendre.tv5monde.com/‎

French radio offers audio news and additional links to the transcripts in French.

7. Listen to a podcast.

Another way to immerse yourself in French is by listening to a podcast. While walking to school or waiting for the bus, listen to Frenchpod101 to hear free, culturally relevant lessons created by native speakers.

8. Find a study partner.

Having a study partner can help you stay accountable, and together you can practice, practice, and practice. Find a study partner at your school, or participate in a virtual language exchange where you can practice your conversational skills with native speakers. 

And lastly, enjoy the journey! It will soon be over and well worth all your efforts!