Course Choices Video
Why study A-level French?
The A-level French course sets out to facilitate a deeper understanding of the language and culture at the heart of the francophone world. By studying French at A-level, not only are you opting to further develop the four key skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing in another language, but also the skills of communication, discussion, debate, presentation and summary writing. By Year 13, you will feel confident in communicating effectively, with a level of fluency that will enable you to feel immersed in the French speaking world. If you are interested in broadening your horizons and rising to the exciting challenges of tackling the French language then A-level French is for you.
What are the careers or further education opportunities for this course?
Employers and universities place great value on A-level language qualifications. Many pupils go on to study French at university, often alongside another language (which they may learn from scratch - ab initio) or alongside another subject (Economics, Business, History, Politics, Sciences, Journalism, Geography, to name a few). Studying a Language as part of a Dual Honours programme or as an elective module offers great variety and the chance to study or work abroad for a year. For example, many students will find themselves working for a law firm, a laboratory, a newspaper, a school or a multinational company during this year. As part of an apprenticeship or post-university work, applicants with a qualification in a language are in high demand for a huge number of businesses, with French being in the top three most desired languages (CBI/Pearson Education and Skills Survey 2019). This is because employees with an A level in a language are known to have developed a range of skills that are transferable to many work places.Key Information Summary:
Course Title | French |
Examination Board | AQA |
Linear Qualification? | Yes |
Course Webpage | http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/as-and-a-level/french-7652 |
Entry Requirements | Grade 6 in GCSE French and Grade 5 or above in GCSE English language or English Literature |
Contact Teachers | Dr E Yardley: eyardley@wilmslowhigh.com |
Course Details:
The AQA specification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills you will have acquired whilst studying GCSE French. It includes a range of topics related to the French speaking world, including social issues and trends, political and artistic culture and grammar. It provides a balanced, well-rounded study of French, in which language and grammar are developed, revisited and reinforced throughout the course through the cultural elements. The interesting subject content is relevant to the modern day French speaking world. There are many opportunities to develop practical communication skills which will benefit you throughout your future career.AQA French is a linear course with terminal examinations at the end of the A-level.
Subject Content:
Social issues and trends
Year 12: Aspects of French speaking society:
- The changing state of the family
- The digital world
- The place of voluntary work
Year 13: Multiculturalism in French speaking society:
- Positive features of a diverse society
- Life for the marginalised
- How criminals are treated
Political and Artistic Culture
Year 12: Artistic culture in the French speaking world:
- A culture proud of its heritage
- Contemporary francophone music
- Cinema: the 7th art form
Year 13: Aspects of political life in the French-speaking world
- Teenagers, the right to vote and political commitment
- Demonstrations, strikes – who holds the power?
- Politics and immigration
Works
Students will study one text and one film from a prescribed list. Next year’s film and text are likely to be:
- La Haine (Mathieu Kassovitz, 1995)
L’étranger (Albert Camus, 1942)
Pupils research a topic of their choice relating to the French speaking world to explore as part of their speaking exam.
Grammar
Grammatical structures and rules are further studied as an integral part of all of the above throughout the course.
Assessment details:
A-Level - 2 Year Course |
Paper 1 (50% of A-level) Aspects of French speaking society Listening and responding to texts in French (30 marks) Reading and responding to texts in French (50 marks) Translation into English - 100 words (10 marks) Translation into French - 100 words (10 marks) Paper 2 (20% of A-level) Question on the set film Paper 3 (30% of A-level)
Presentation and discussion of individual research project |