French

Course outline

AQA

At A Level you will be building upon the skills learnt and developed at IGCSE – listening, speaking, reading and writing – but the topics will be more contemporary and more relevant to your age, experience and interests and therefore more engaging and motivating.

You will increase your knowledge of countries where French is spoken through the study of the language in its cultural, literary and social context.

You will be assessed on speaking, reading, listening and translation which will be based on the areas of study. For the writing you will produce essays related to stimulating films and literary texts.

The A Level topics cover current trends (for example cybersociety), current issues such as; positive features of a diverse society, aspects of culture (contemporary music, cinema etc.), and aspects of political life, a very contemporary topic.

You will have an additional lesson each week, in which you will work on your spoken French with our conversation teacher, and prepare for the oral tests.

You will take 2 papers are A Level, as well as an oral examination (30%): 21-23 mins/60 marks

• Paper 1 (20%): Writing - 2 hours/80 marks.

• Paper 2 (50%): Language/Reading/ Writing - 2 hours 30mins/100 marks.

Modern linguists are in high demand because of the analytical and communication skills developed through learning a language. The presentations that you will be required to give in class, for example, will be good training for the workplace. Apart from the more obvious careers in interpreting, translating and teaching, French students and graduates are highly sought after in the fields of business, banking, accountancy and the law.

Learning a language takes you beyond the classroom and into the way of life of another nation. French culture is so rich and varied. You will learn about French art, music, literature and cinema. There will be opportunities to read poetry and listen to songs, and even to write some of your own, if you wish. There will be films to watch, perhaps as a backdrop to the literary texts under discussion.

Of course, there will also be the chance to spend time in France through study visits – the best way to improve your spoken French and gain an in-depth understanding of contemporary French society.

“Studying French at A Level has been invigorating, enlightening and more than anything, fun. From learning about French culture to reading French literature, the A Level course has enabled me to gain an insight into such a fascinating country.”