French A-level

AQA A-level French (7652) Why choose this course?

The new A-level in French builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills gained at GCSE. It develops a range of transferable skills including communication, critical thinking, research skills and creativity. Students have the opportunity to develop a greater understanding of the culture and society of any French-speaking countries that interest them, and not just in France herself.

MAIN THEME SUB -THEMES TOPICS

Social issues and trends Aspects of French-speaking society: current trends The changing nature of family, the “cyber-society”, the place of voluntary work 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 Artistic culture in the French-speaking world A culture proud of its heritage, contemporary francophone music, cinema: the 7th art form

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

Grammar Grammar structures will be covered and students will be asked to use them actively and accurately in each skill

Independent research project

Students will choose a subject or a key question which interests them and relates to a country or countries where French is spoken Literary texts and films Two books or one book and one film will be studied. The choice of books and films links with the themes and will help to develop knowledge and understanding of culture and society

PAPER SKILLS

1 • Listening • Reading • Writing 2hrs 30mins 50% Listening and responding to spoken passages from a range of contexts and sources (all questions in French), reading and responding to a variety of texts written for different purposes (all questions in French), translation of 100 words into French and translation of 100 words into English

2 Writing

3 Speaking % VALUE CONTENT

2hrs 20%

21-31mins 30% Two critical appreciation essays (approx 300 words each) examining the concepts and issues covered in the two books or book and film studied Discussion of one of the sub-themes based on a stimulus card, presentation and discussion of Individual Research Project

ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

• A four-day cultural trip during which students will use their language in and outside the classroom • A gastronomy and art trip to London where students will visit an exhibition and try French food • An exchange programme with a partner school in France where students can live the language PROGRESSION ROUTES

An A-level in French offers an enhanced range of employment prospects and preparation for life as a global citizen. It will be personally rewarding and is a qualification highly regarded by universities and colleges. French A-level is compatible with other subjects as part of modular or joint honours degree courses, and may be studied alongside Engineering, Law, Science, Business, Education, Journalism, Leisure and Tourism, Art and Design and Media subjects. On average, salaries are £3k to £5k higher for those with a language.