A-Level French

Studying a language in the Sixth Form requires a solid grounding in vocabulary, grammar and structure at GCSE level, as well as the motivation and determination to work hard and, above all, the curiosity to find out about culture!

We will be following the AQA French AS and A Level specifications using a variety of books and resources to spark our students’ interest, and we encourage them to borrow materials (novels, plays, DVDs) or use web-sites to facilitate their independent learning.

Our Sixth-Form students work with our French assistants to develop their speaking skills in compulsory weekly sessions, both at AS and A-Level.  

YEAR 12

Work continues post-GCSE with the four skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing at a higher level.  Additionally, the ability to translate and summarise will form part of the exam, and the film La Haine is studied. 
 
Work in terms of vocabulary, grammar and structure also continues in the following two broad topic areas:
1. Aspects of French-speaking society: current trends
2. Artistic culture in the French-speaking world

AS

Paper 1: Listening, Reading & Writing

Paper 2: Writing

Paper 3: Speaking

Listening, Reading, Summary & Translation into English

45% of AS

1hr 45mins

May

Translation into French and Essay on the Film

25% of AS

1hr 30mins

May

2 Stimulus Cards from 2 sub-themes

30% of AS

12-14mins

April or May

External Examiner
 
Students will confirm whether they will be sitting AS or continuing to A-Level in the first half of Year 12.

YEAR 13

Language work continues at a higher level than at AS across all skills practised in Year 12 and additionally focuses on the following topic areas:
  • 1. Aspects of French-speaking society: current issues
  • 2. Aspects of political life in the French-speaking world
Furthermore, students will study a literary work, L´étranger, by Albert Camus and select a topic of their liking for their Individual Research Project, in the oral examination. 
Both year 12 and year 13 students are expected to attend the French Study Day for A level at the British Film Institute in London, which gives an insight into French film and cinematography. 

A-Level

Paper 1: Listening, Reading, and Writing

Paper 2: Writing

 Paper 3: Speaking

Listening, Reading, Summary, Translation into German and Translation into English

50% of A-Level

2hrs 30

June

1 Essay each on the Literature and the Film

20% of A-Level

2hrs

June

1 Stimulus Card from 1 sub-theme & Individual Research Project (IRP)

30% of A-Level

16-18mins

April or May

External Examiner

Further detail can be accessed via:  http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/as-and-a-level

Further studies in French:

We encourage as many students as possible to study French at university, in the form of a Language Honours Degree or as a Joint Honours subject, in combination with disciplines ranging from Politics and Law to Mathematics, Business or Science. It enables graduates to develop a high level of oral and written competence, and deepens their understanding of the social, political, economic and cultural environment of France and the French-speaking world.  Graduates’ profiles stand out as they have the knowledge, linguistic and analytical skills employers require, giving them access to careers such as business, finance, diplomacy, media, interpreting, translation or teaching.