A Level French

Please apply via PS16. Any applications received by 31/1/25 are guaranteed an interview in February - April 2025, as long as minimum entry requirements are met. Offers are made after interview.

This course is designed for you to:

• derive enjoyment and benefit from language learning;

• acquire knowledge, skills and understanding for practical use, further study and/or employment;

• communicate with speakers of the language;

• take your place in a multilingual global society.

Over the two years, you will study a variety of aspects of French-speaking society.

In year 1, you will learn about social trends and artistic culture through the following sub-themes:

- The changing nature of family

- The “cyber-society”

- The place of voluntary work

- A culture proud of its heritage

- Contemporary francophone music

- Cinema – The 7th art form

In year 2, the topics studied focus on social issues and political culture:

- Positive features of a diverse society

- Life for the marginalised

- How criminals are treated

- The right to vote and political commitment of teenagers

- Demonstrations, strikes – who holds the power?

- Politics and immigration

You will also study two pieces of work: a film and a novel. These will form the basis of the essays you will have to write in the writing paper.

In your final year, you will complete an Independent Research project of your own choice. You will present your findings in the speaking exam and discuss them with the examiner.

It goes without saying that as part of the areas listed above, you will continue to develop your knowledge of the French grammar and language per se.

This course will be taught in a small group with a teacher. You will be expected to participate actively in class discussions in French. Not only will you be studying the French language but you will also learn to provide a critical analysis of the sub-themes covered. This will be achieved through classwork (sometimes in pair or group work) and through home study. You will be given access to our digital textbook. Your teacher(s) will set assignments under the form of written tasks, online tasks and oral presentations to the class. A significant amount of your time will be spent re-writing your class notes neatly as well as completing further independent study and research. We aim to organise a trip to France (last year we went to Normandy). This is a great opportunity to practise your spoken French in real life situations and get a better insight into French culture.

Paper 1: Listening, Reading and Writing (2h30, 50% of the qualification) .Paper 2: Writing (2 hours, 20% of the qualification). Paper 3: Speaking (21-23 minutes including 5 minutes’ preparation time)

All three papers are externally assessed.

GCSE Grade 5 in French. If you have not studied this subject at GCSE level you will be required to take a spoken test.

Some students choose to do degree courses in languages; others choose to pursue a higher education course in another subject but choose a language option alongside it. Such courses will often give you the opportunity to study a year abroad. Having a language at Advanced GCE will improve your employability, in particular with companies which have international branches. Whether you are interested in continuing your studies or working at home or abroad, a language course is an excellent step towards achieving your goals.