Review of resource

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Adam Sutcliffe, MfL Dept, The Gordon Schools - I came across this resource via a twitter colleague who had already used it in her classes and I was intrigued. On receipt of the pack I was immediately impressed by its potential not only to deliver "different" language learning opportunities but to tie in with citizenship ideals. I used it with an S2 class and spent a lot of time discussing citizenship issues in English rather than in French. I started by introducing the class to DRC. The pupils first task was to think about their own lives and answer the questionnaire (some in French some in English). I then filmed their responses. Next we looked more in depth at the DRC and I then had them think about the good and bad things relating to life both in Scotland and in the DRC. I then set them a homework task of searching for a news article online about the DRC and summing it up in their own words. Then in groups in class they recorded a news radio show. The students have been really motivated by this topic and I think it has helped illustrate for them the transferrability of skills; I feel that they have taken a step closer to realising that the things they learn in one classroom can be transferred to others. To find out more visit our class blog for 19/05/09 at http://thegordonschools.typepad.co.uk/asu/2009/05/news-from-the-drc---by-2s.htmland also the page for 24/04/09 at http://thegordonschools.typepad.co.uk/asu/2009/04/citizenship-in-the-modern-languages-classroom---a-resource-by-sciaf.html

Catriona Oates, Scottish CILT [Centre for Information on Language Teaching and Research] - This ground-breaking resource captures the spirit of Curriculum for Excellence. It offers stimulating and challenging language learning experiences, while deepening knowledge and understanding of other cultures, places and people. It provides real opportunities to engage and exchange with young French speaking adults, and raises awareness of current events in DRC. The opportunity to investigate, debate, collaborate and analyse across all stages of secondary school gives teachers the platform to develop these skills in a relevant and meaningful way in the languages classroom. The coherent approach to content knowledge and skills development in this resource, along with its attractive eye-catching design and accessible pricing, make it a must for every secondary French classroom.

Ron Black - Great to discover a major new educational asset in the form of the DVD-ROM dealing with day to day life in the DRC. Very important to let our Scottish children see that they are blessed by living in a country whose infrastructure is inherently sound and wealthy in every respect. Of immense use in the class with all levels of French-speaking pupils. "Très bien fait" à tout le monde - bon courage et bonne chance pour le futur!

Brian McLinden, PT Modern Languages, Calderglen High - I see this as a very important and useful resource. It provides an excellent opportunity for pupils to gain a deep understanding of a different culture and to be aware of the issues and challenges facing the Congolese people. It is also an extremely useful language teaching tool. The topics explored in the videos are very relevant to what we are teaching in our classes and can be developed at all levels, from S1 through to Advanced Higher. So far I have used the resource with an S2 class and Advanced Higher but I intend to open it up to all year groups. The S2 class have already posted questions to Aiméé and have received her replies. The questions they posed, such as asking about her house, fit in perfectly with the topic we are currently working on and add an extra dimension. The pupils were fascinated by the description she gave of her house and her garden and this stimulated great discussion, both in English and French. The S2 pupils were also interested in what she had to say about her country and the changes she would like to make. The Advanced Higher pupils have watched the videos and will be exploiting them in greater detail, for example when we cover the topic of The Role of Women in Society and it also stimulated discussion on their own ideas on how they would like change the world. I intend to liaise with the Geography and Modern Studies Faculty to exploit the resource on a cross-curricular basis. I would also like to get some of the Congolese people living in the Motherwell area to come to speak to the pupils.

Craig McKerlie, pupil - It's interesting to find out about the way of life in a country where French is spoken, other than France. The fact that they speak French helps us to understand their culture even more.

Andrew McMorris, pupil - It is really interesting to hear how informed Aimée and Joseph are about their own country and about the changes they would like to make.

Andrew Watt, pupil - Aimée's reply to our question about her house was really interesting. It was good to compare her house to the type of houses we live in.

Callum Thomson, pupil - I really like asking Aimée questions. It helps my French a lot and I like comparing her way of life to mine.

Thea Pallut, Grantown Grammar- It has been a great project and has given the pupils the chance to do something different, learn new skills and learn something about somewhere else in the world. It has given pupils a lot to think about and really created some great discussions. Plus there has been some very high quality French with new vocabulary and a chance to revise old vocabulary. I can't wait to do it again! Check out the class blog [March 2009 -S2 Conflict work - archives at http://www.mfle.typepad.com/ggs_french/ to find out more about how the pack was used].

Philippa Snellgrove, Student Teacher - The resource is interactive, well-thought through, interesting andn engaging. I like everything about this resource! I have used it as a series of 3 lessons with year 10 as a Global Dimension lesson focus fopr an essay (PGCE). I used many of the ideas in the book, some of whichI translated into French for the class. I particularly appreciated the educational references - for example the links to the national Curriculum.I would like to thank you for the work you have done on this project. I think that "Les Citoyens Du Monde" is going to be a very valuable resource for many French teachers and it is nice to see so much being done to raise awareness of a struggling country.

Marie Massé, Manchester - I have used the resource in a French lesson linking it to the topic of description of school. I organised a discussion with pupils to describe differences and similiarities between school life in England, France and the DRC. The resource enabled my pupils to discover about "La Francophonie" and about the DRC. Pupils realised that they could share some common interests with people (Aimée and Joseph) in the DRC. I am a French native myself and found the resource absolutely fantastic! Very useful, interesting and well done and organised. Thank you so much.

Marion MacKay, Blairgowrie High - The resource is modern, up to date, relavant and easy to use. We are committed to exploiting the materials as far as possible and so far the impact on our pupils has been significant.