French

Specification: AQA

Qualification: A Level

Why study French?

French is the first or second language in more than 40 countries and is spoken by 175 million people around the world. Studying French at A Level is the natural way to further your knowledge enabling you to use it in its spoken and written for and acquire an insight into how language is learnt. You will also gain considerable contacts with and insight into the contemporary society, cultural background and heritage of the countries where French is spoken.

What will I study?

Aspects of French speaking society – current trends: the changing nature of family, the ‘cyber-society’, the place of voluntary work

Artistic culture in the French-speaking world: cultural heritage, contemporary Francophone music, cinema: the 7th art form

Aspects of French speaking society – current issues: positive features of a diverse society, life for the marginalised, how criminals are treated

Aspects of political life in the French speaking world: teenagers – the right to vote and political engagement, demonstrations and strikes – who holds the power?, politics and immigration

Film Study – La Haine

Book Study – Un Sac de Billes

How will I be assessed?

Two written papers and an oral exam.

Paper 1: Listening, Reading and Writing – 50%

Paper 2: Essay Writing based on the study of a book and a film – 20%

Paper 3: Speaking exam based on an Independent Research Project  – 30 %

Future Careers & Opportunities

There are a wide range of occupations in which students can use French for example; journalism, business, tourism, government services, teaching, engineering, marketing, law and the Armed Forces. A language A Level can be a fantastic asset in any job, it can open up the opportunity to travel with work and make you more employable!

Entry requirements

Grade 6 in GCSE French

Head of Department: Ms Amy Whiting

Email: amy.whiting@gryphon.dorset.sch.uk