Alongside the entry requirements for each course, you will also need to achieve the minimum Sixth Form entry requirements.
Assessment
100% Examination
Next Steps
This is an essential qualification if you want to study French at university. It will help prepare you for being successful in finding a job in translating, travel and tourism but also in one of the sectors of the business world.
A-Level in French
The A-level languages course covers many aspects of French society as well as the study of a set film and set book. As well as the A-level qualification you will gain an in depth knowledge of the culture of France. If you are interested in this and want to develop your knowledge of the French language, then you will enjoy the necessary hard work and commitment a language A-level demands.
The A-level French course builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills gained at GCSE. It constitutes an integrated study with a focus on language, culture and society. It fosters a range of transferable skills including communication, critical thinking, research skills and creativity. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of themes relating to the culture and society of countries where French is spoken, and your language skills. You will do this by using authentic spoken and written sources in French and by developing and accurately applying your grammatical knowledge.
In Year 12 aspects of social trends in French-speaking countries are studied, for example the changing nature of the family, cybersociety and volunteering together with aspects of the artistic life of French-speaking countries such as cultural heritage, music and cinema.
You will also begin to study a film from this list:
• Les 400 coups François Truffaut (1959) • Au revoir les enfants Louis Malle (1987) • La Haine Mathieu Kassovitz (1995) • L’auberge espagnole Cédric Klapisch (2002) • Un long dimanche de fiançailles Jean-Pierre Jeunet (2004) • Entre les murs Laurent Cantet (2008)
Year 13
In Year 13 further aspects of social issues are covered, this time focusing on issues such as life for those on the margins of French-speaking society, how criminals are treated and the positive influences that diversity brings. You will also explore the influence of the past on present-day French-speaking communities and study aspects of the political landscape in a French-speaking country, looking at immigration from the political perspective and at the way in which political power is expressed through action such as strikes and demonstrations.
You will study a set text from this list:
• Molière Le Tartuffe • Voltaire Candide • Guy de Maupassant Boule de Suif et autres contes de la guerre • Albert Camus L’étranger • Françoise Sagan Bonjour tristesse • Claire Etcherelli Elise ou la vraie vie • Joseph Joffo Un sac de billes • Faïza Guène Kiffe kiffe demain • Philippe Grimbert Un secret • Delphine de Vigan No et moi
You will also have the opportunity to carry out independent research on an area of your choice related to a French-speaking country which you will present and discuss in your speaking exam.
