French

EXAMINATION BOARD: AQA

SPECIFICATION CODE: 7652

EXPECTED GCSE REQUIREMENTS: A GRADE 7 OR ABOVE IN GCSE FRENCH.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

The A Level study focuses on language, culture and society. It fosters a range of transferable skills including communication, critical thinking, research skills and creativity, which are valuable to the individual and society.

The approach is a focus on how French-speaking society has been shaped, socially and culturally, and how it continues to change. We study aspects of the social context, together with aspects of the artistic life of French-speaking countries. Further aspects of the social background are covered, this time focusing on issues such as life for those on the margins of French-speaking society, as well as looking at the positive influences that diversity brings. We study aspects of the political landscape in a French-speaking country, looking at immigration from the political perspective and at the way in which political power is expressed through action such as strikes and demonstrations. Teenagers and the extent to which they are politically engaged allows us to look to the future of political life in French-speaking society. Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of themes relating to the culture and society of countries where French is spoken, as well as their language skills. They will be exposed to a range of authentic spoken and written sources in French.

Our choice of literary text and film is the study of the novel Un sac de billes and the film Au revoir les enfants, both of which are autobiographic and set in France during the Second World War.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

There are three papers at the end of the A2 course which are worth the following percentage of your qualification:

Paper 1: Listening, Reading and Translation (2h30) – 50% of the A Level;

Paper 2: Writing and Translation (2h) – 20% of the A Level;

Paper 3: Speaking (21-23 minutes) – 30% of the A Level;

Paper 1 Translation is from French into English and Paper 2 Translation is from English into French.

In Paper 3, you will complete an Independent Research Project which you will discuss in the speaking examination. This NEA element allows you to develop your research skills and investigate a topic that is of interest to you about the Francophone world. Students often opt for a topic which also overlaps with one of their other A Level subjects.

WHERE WILL THIS TAKE ME?

Did you know that fluency in a foreign language is one of the top 10 skills which employers want? Learning this beautiful, rich, melodious language makes you more marketable in the workplace at home or abroad.

French is a language for the international job market. A knowledge of French opens the doors of French companies in insurance, oil and gas, automotive, retail, luxury goods, finance and banking, construction, nuclear energy and more. As one of the world’s largest economies, and a leading destination for foreign investment, France is a key economic partner.

With regards to international relations, French stands as both a working language and an official language of the United Nations, the European Union, UNESCO, NATO and the International Olympic Committee. It is the language of the three cities where the EU institutions are headquartered: Strasbourg, Brussels and Luxembourg. It also stands as international language of cooking, fashion, theatre, the visual arts, dance and architecture.

As an analytical language, French helps you structure thoughts and develop critical thinking, which is a valuable skill for both discussions and negotiations. French is also the second most widely learned foreign language after English, and the fifth most widely spoken language in the world.

WHAT ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES ARE THERE?

The British Film Institute organises valuable events, which broaden our interaction and understanding of francophone world in a very enjoyable way. It can also enhance our study of chosen film. The French Institute also offers a wide range of opportunities and events. Students are invited to take part in other local events with neighbouring schools, such as speed debating, and other MFL events. When there is sufficient interest, we are keen to immerse ourselves in France through residential trips, which combine cultural and linguistic experiences. We are interested equally to hear from former Tormeadians who have studied languages at university as they share their experience and career paths with us.

As part of the A Level course, every student has a dedicated one-to-one session with our French assistante to perfect the skill of conversation and develop fluency.