French Summary

Students will be able to write and speak relatively fluently in French. Vocabulary and grammatical knowledge will be expanded. The accuracy of work is improved. The need for good pronunciation and intonation is emphasised. Comprehension skills will be improved. Linguistic skills acquired enable students to use French more effectively and spontaneously and to manipulate language accurately.

Students will learn linguistic skills which will enable them to analyse and to structure arguments. Study of French will provide an insight into the culture and customs of France, with visits abroad being encouraged.

The A Level exam is taken in its entirety at the end of Year 13.

Entry Requirements

  • GCSE Grade 6 or higher in French

Course Duration

2 years full-time

Specification

AQA

How you will study

Year 12
Aspects of French-speaking society, current trends: the changing nature of family; the cyber-society; the place of voluntary work. Artistic culture in the French-speaking world: a culture proud of its heritage; contemporary francophone music; cinema, the 7th art form. One French film and one French novel are studied over the course.

Year 13
Aspects of French-speaking society, current issues: positive features of a diverse society; life for the marginalised; how criminals are treated. 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.

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Component breakdown

Paper 1- Listening, Reading and Writing (40%)
This paper tests both listening and reading comprehension. There is translation from English to French based on a given passage and a translation from French to English.

Paper 2 – Writing (30%)
Essays in French (on 1 book and 1 film – 2 questions set on each work).

Paper 3 – Speaking (30%)
21-23 minutes including 5 minutes’ preparation time at the start. The format will be as follows:

  • 5-6 minutes on a stimulus card – cards relate to specification themes.
    Questions relate to candidate’s knowledge of the topic in target language
    country as well as own opinion.
  • 2 minute presentation of individual research project (must relate to target
    language speaking country) followed by 9-10 minutes discussion.

Careers and Destinations

A language is an asset allied to any skill or discipline and has clear applications within the world of business at all levels including management and the entrepreneurial field. The same applies to, for example, the international legal system, work within the travel and tourism sector, work in the diplomatic service, local and national government, security, the retail industry or careers such as journalism. Language study could clearly lead to a career in translating as well as teaching, either secondary or primary.

There are an increasing number of joint honours degrees at university level offering study of a language allied to another subject and with the possibility of studying or working abroad for one year as part of the course. This applies not only to language study with others Arts subjects, but also Business, Law and even subjects such as Engineering and Computer Studies. Studying a foreign language at A Level, will set students apart from many other students in this country and will make them an attractive potential employee in many higher-level and better paid positions. There is currently a high demand for employees able to offer language skills and only a small supply of candidates able to satisfy this demand.

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English Combined
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