French

Specification AQA

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 form 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. French links well with many other subjects. Occupations in which students can use French include: journalism, business, tourism, government services, teaching, engineering, marketing and law.

What will I study?

In addition to developing and extending the vocabulary and grammatical concepts studied at GCSE, you will also study and acquire specific knowledge of social issues and trends around the world with topics such as the changing face of the family, equality and opportunity, the ‘cyber-society,’ and music and film moving on to law and order, French heritage and culture and the politics of France. You will also study the artistic culture of France with specific reference to literature and film. You will have conversation sessions with the Foreign Language Assistant.

How will I be assessed?

The course is examined through 3 module examinations in June (Unit 1: Listening, Reading and writing; Unit 2: Writing and Unit 3: Speaking.)

Course expenses

You will be asked to buy a grammar book (approx. £10), a vocabulary book (approx. £5) and a novel (approx.. £8). Any visits that are arranged will be priced as they come up.