Course Overview

A Level French provides an engaging and exciting opportunity for students to build on their previous study of French at GCSE.

Through social, intellectual, historical and political cultural themes, students will be able to develop their linguistic knowledge and cultural understanding of the countries and communities where the language is spoken.

A strong focus is placed on building students confidence and fluency in spoken French using relevant and topical themes.

The course begins with revision, building on prior grammatical knowledge with personal grammar booklets, online exercises and small group sessions for support.

Themes include what life is like for young French-speaking people today. In your first year, you watch and study a French film, while in your second year you will explore literature in the target language as well as choosing an area of personal interest to research and present during your speaking exam. This could relate to the country or communities where French is spoken and offers you the opportunity to deepen your cultural awareness.

A Level French topics mayinclude:

• Being a young person in a French-speaking society
• Changes in family, marriage and divorce
• Use of technology in France amongst young people
• Education systems, travel and work opportunities
• Regional culture and heritage in France
• Media, art, film and music in the French-speaking world
• Immigration and integration ‘€“ problems and benefits
• Cultural enrichment and celebrating difference
• Life in Occupied France, the Resistance, political and cultural consequences.

Assessment Methods

You will be assessed through listening, reading, writing and speaking examinations, with regular internal assessment taking place as the course unfolds.

Your final A Level exam will be made up of two exam papers and one speaking test covering the entire programme at the end of year two.

Progression Options

The large majority of our students go on to university with many studying French combined with another subject. Many students also take advantage of the Turing Scheme, which can offer you the chance to spend a year working or studying abroad.

You might even decide to work and live in France or a French-speaking country to practise and improve your language skills.