French

Sixth Form Subject Guide

French

NAME OF QUALIFICATION: FRENCH ExAM BOARD: AQA

How is the course assessed?

PAPER 1:

2 hours 30 minutes, 50%. Listening, reading and translations into English and into French. PAPER 2:

2 hours, 20%. Response to a question on a set text and a question on a set film. PAPER 3:

Oral examination: 21 to 23 minutes (including 5 minutes preparation time) 30%. For the oral, A Level students will prepare an individual project on a theme of their choice.

Course requirements:

French GCSE at Grade 7 minimum.

Mathematical skill required?

No.

Why study French?

Communication is essential in today’s world. By studying a foreign language, students will not only be given the tools to communicate with people from other countries but will also be introduced to their culture, politics, customs and thoughts. Language learners agree that language proficiency facilitates better relationships with other countries and is undoubtedly helpful to their future.

Course content: Social issues and trends AS and A Level:

Aspects of French-speaking society: current trends. • The changing nature of the family • The “cyber-society” • The place of voluntary work

A Level:

Aspects of French-speaking society: Current issues. • Positive features of a diverse society • Life for the marginalised • How criminals are treated

Political and artistic culture AS and A Level:

Artistic culture.

• A culture proud of its heritage • Contemporary francophone music • Cinema: the 7th art form

AS and A Level:

Aspects of political life in the French speaking world. • Teenagers, the right to vote and political commitment • Demonstrations, strikes - who holds the power? • Politics and immigration

What further study and careers could French lead to?

It can lead to a huge variety of degrees in foreign languages, art, social sciences and humanities, science, engineering and medicine. Linguists are among the most employable.