French A Level
Examining Board: AQA
Overview
This course is about so much more than just developing your linguistic skills. Whilst you will undoubtedly flourish as a linguist and master an impressive range of vocabulary and grammar, A Level French also gives you an insight into contemporary issues in French-speaking societies.
The fascinating topics include examining social changes, music and the arts, architecture, politics and immigration, as well as the traditions and history of French-speaking countries – and we will discuss all of this in French! You will learn about the French dictatorship and the ever-changing political landscape of contemporary France and other French-speaking countries.
Course Content
A Level French has the following topics:
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La famille en voie de changement
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La « cyber-société »
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Le rôle du bénévolat
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Les aspects positifs d'une société diverse
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Quelle vie pour les marginalisés ?
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Comment on traite les criminels
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Une culture fière de son patrimoine
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La musique francophone contemporaine
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Cinéma : le septième art
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Les ados, le droit de vote et l'engagement politique
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Manifestations, grèves – à qui le pouvoir ?
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La politique et l'immigration
Entry Requirements
5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including Mathematics and English Language, and GCSE French Grade 6 – although in exceptional cases a Grade 5 may be considered.
How is it Assessed?
Paper 1 - Listening, reading and writing (50%)
Paper 2 – Writing (20%)
Paper 3 – Speaking exam, including IRP discussion (30%)
Future Pathways with French
Being a proficient French-speaker is a sought-after skill and A-Level French opens many doors. Many students go on to study French at university, often in combination with another subject such as International Relations, Politics and Business management and Economics. In terms of careers, French is useful for careers in business and finance, translation and interpreting, journalism, travel and tourism, diplomacy and civil service, and the education sector.
