French is spoken by people in more than 50 countries across five continents. France is our nearest neighbour and the favourite destination for British tourists. Studying French at A level will equip you with the skills you need for effective written and spoken communication and give you an insight into the culture of this and other French-speaking countries.
French combines well with a wide variety of other subjects at degree level, including Business, Law, Politics, Science, History and Tourism.
Course Content and Assessment
Topics for study are in the following broad categories
- Social issues and trends
- Political and artistic culture
- Grammar
In addition to the core content you will study one literary text and one film.
What’s assessed
Aspects of French society
Artistic culture in the Francophone world Multiculturalism in French society Aspects of political life in French society Grammar
Paper 1 Comprehension How it’s assessed
Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes to include comprehension questions and translation both into French and from French to English
100 marks
50% of A-level
Paper 2: Writing What’s assessed
One text and one film or two texts from the list set in the specification
Grammar
How it’s assessed Written exam: 2 hours 80 marks in total
20% of A-level
Paper 3: Speaking What’s assessed
Individual research project.
You can choose an aspect of the course which particularly interests you and research this in preparation for your speaking exam. There is a great deal of possibility for cross curricular themes; for example, an A-level art student may choose to study a French artist, or an historian the Franco-Algerian war.
How it’s assessed
Oral exam: 21–23 minutes (including 5 minutes preparation time)
60 marks in total 30% of A-level
Questions
Discussion of a sub-theme with the discussion based on a stimulus card (5–6 minutes).
Presentation (2 minutes) and discussion (9–10 minutes) of individual research project (35 marks).
Extending Your Experience
The course clearly lends itself to travel and communication within French speaking countries. You will be involved in the development of European links and may have the opportunity to undertake work experience abroad as part of your studies.
Entry Requirements:
You will require a GCSE pass in French at
grade 5 or above. We will consider other candidates on an
individual basis.
Where will this course take me?
The European Union is our largest trading partner and having good language skills will considerably widen your employment opportunities. In many employment fields such as Marketing, Finance, Tourism and Engineering, at least one modern language is a must. An A level in French is a valid qualification towardsuniversity entrance requirements.
