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 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. French links well with many other subjects. Occupations in which student 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 A-level is comprised of three exams, sat at the end of your second year.

Paper 1: Listening, Reading and Writing. This paper includes listening and reading comprehension questions as well as summary writing and translation both from and into French. It is 2 hours 30 minutes and makes up 50% of your final A Level grade.

Paper 2: Writing. In this paper you will write two essays – one about a book and one about a film that you have studied in lessons. This paper is 2 hours and makes up 20% of your final A Level grade.

Paper 3: Speaking. In your speaking exam you will discuss one of the sub-themes studied throughout the two years of the course. You will also present a research project that you have carried out and will discuss this further with your examiner. This test lasts 25 minutes (including preparation time) and makes up 30% of your final A Level grade.

Entry requirements

You need to have a minimum of a 6 at GCSE in French.

You should also have an active interest in France and the French speaking world.

Course expenses

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