French : A-level

The syllabus extends naturally from the skills developed at GCSE, but with more emphasis on grammar. Equal stress is placed on listening, reading, speaking and writing, together with discovery of contemporary culture and society through the study of selected topics. Lessons cover a variety of activities including individual and group work. Students are expected to use as much French as possible in and outside the classroom, make use of the Library facilities for private study (books, DVDs, WQE Online, magazines etc.) and keep a general interest in all aspects of the language and culture. Students will also have an additional timetabled lesson each week with a native French-speaker to assist with oral and listening skills. The department’s facilities include a language laboratory and computers.

Aspects of French-speaking society:

• Family

• Cyber-society

• Volunteering

Artistic culture in the French-speaking world:

• A culture proud of its heritage

• Contemporary French-speaking music

• Cinema

Study of a French film

Aspects of French-speaking society: current issues

• Positive aspects of a diverse society

• What life for the socially excluded?

• How criminals are treated

Aspects of political life in the French-speaking world:

• Teenagers, right to vote and political commitment

• Demonstrations and strikes – Who has the power?

• Politics and immigration

Study of a French novel

In common with all other new A-level specifications, the new French A-level is linear with all exams being taken at the end of the second year.

Paper 1 - (50% A-Level) - Listening, Reading & Writing (Summary & Translation into both languages included)

Paper 2 - (20% A -Level) – Writing (Film & Book)

Paper 3 - (30% A-Level) – Speaking (Stimulus Card & Individual Project)

To enrol for an A level programme we normally expect applicants to have achieved good GCSE passes in at least six subjects, these must:

• demonstrate the suitability for Advanced Level study

• have been achieved at Grade 4/C as a minimum

• include two at Grade 5/B as a minimum

Mathematics - If not achieved within the scope of the above should normally be achieved at grade 3/D. If mathematics is not achieved at grade 4/C then it will be a requirement to continue to study at the correct level until a grade 4 is achieved. Subjects with a mathematical content will require a higher grade.

In addition to the standard College entry requirements, this particular course also normally requires students to have achieved grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language and grade 6 or above in GCSE French (both higher tier).

Students will be well prepared to use French for practical communication and to continue their studies in higher education. At university French may be combined with another language, a host of other subjects or studied on its own.

What does the course combine well with?

French combines well with any subject.