Subject

A-Level in French

Entry Requirements

5 GCSEs 9 – 4 including English

Grade 5+ in French GCSE and must be at Higher

Exam Board

AQA

Content relating to the subject qualification

This is a two-year programme of language study based on 3 areas of study

The course will allow you to further develop your language skills in order to achieve a high level of communication. There is a sharp focus on broadening your vocabulary and deepening your grammatical knowledge. You will also improve your general study skills and exam techniques. You will, of course, study the contemporary French culture and society in depth, including discussing and debating the following topics:

Theme 1 – Social issues and trends in French society

Theme 2 - The political and artistic culture in French speaking countries, including music, festivals and traditions and the media.

Theme 3 – Literary texts and films

The course is taught through a mixture of listening, speaking, reading and writing exercises. Both listening and reading will refer to authentic material and will aim to make you an independent linguist. The speaking and writing tasks will develop your ability to communicate and express your own thoughts and opinions. 

Assessment of the qualification

A-Level linear exam – to be assessed at the end of Year 13

Paper 1: Examination (40% of A-level) on aspects of French society (current trends, current issues, artistic culture, political life) – Listening, Reading and Writing – 2.5 hours

Paper 2: Examination (30% of A-level), writing analytical essays on the book and film studied– Writing – 2 hours

Paper 3: Speaking (30% of A-level) including a conversation in response to a stimulus card, followed by a presentation and discussion of your Individual Research Project – 21-23 minutes

Career Pathways

Knowing a second language is a valuable asset in any job and gives you excellent transferrable skills.

As well as broadening your opportunities and enriching all aspects of your life,  there are  a wide range of career paths which require specific foreign language skills in the increasingly global job market 

Jobs directly related to a knowledge of French include:  Tourism and travel industries and international business, Interpreter; Secondary school teacher; Translator.

Jobs where French speaking would be useful include: Broadcast journalist; Diplomatic services; English as a foreign language teacher; International aid/development worker; Logistics and distribution manager; Sales and Marketing executive; Tour manager.

Learning a foreign language could also improve your chance of studying at a good university or of joining the Erasmus scheme and studying abroad whilst at university. A language will provide you with confidence and a strong ability to communicate.

Extra-Curricular

We enrich the curriculum with planned visits to local universities, workshops and lectures delivered by experts, film nights, opportunities to visit a French speaking country, and the chance to link with a French student from a partner school