A level Specification and Curriculum Overview

Course currently followed: AQA French 

Course Entry Requirements: 

Grade 7 at French GCSE

Curriculum overview

Introduction

The French A level specification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills gained at GCSE. It enables students to enhance their linguistic skills and promote and develop their capacity for critical thinking on the basis of their knowledge and understanding of the language, culture and society of the countries where French is spoken. Students will become increasingly confident, accurate and independent users of the language as they develop their communication skills for both practical and intellectual purposes. 

Their study will be supported by regular access to authentic up-to-date resources, including online media, focussed teaching of core skills to enable pupils to manipulate the language with more confidence, and regular weekly conversation sessions with a native French language assistant. 

The new specification requires students to be able to translate to and from French and to engage critically with intellectually stimulating texts, films and other material in French, so that they develop an appreciation of sophisticated and creative uses of language and a thorough understanding of their cultural and social context.

Course content

In the first year of the course (the AS level) the following topic areas will be studied, together with one book or film:

• Social issues and trends   - the evolving society in France, including changing family structures, changes arising from the digital revolution, role of charity work, fund-raising and supporting others

• Artistic culture in the French-speaking world- culture and heritage in francophone countries, to include music, cinema, festivals and traditions

During the second year (A Level), an additional book is studied and the topic areas expanded to include:

• Current issues in French-speaking societies,  - Immigration and the French multicultural society, integration and multiculturalism, marginalised sections of society, attitudes towards crime and punishment

• Aspects of political life - politics of immigration, political involvement of young people, right to vote, rationale for strikes and protests and their effects

A demanding but very rewarding feature of the A Level specification is the chance to undertake independent research in French (with teacher support) on topics of specific interest to the student, within the cultural and social context of French.

Course Breakdown

AS and A Level each have 3 externally marked assessed papers. The AS qualification is standalone and does not count towards A Level.

 AS Level breakdown

Paper 1: Listening, reading and translation from French to English                                                45% of qualification

Paper 2: Written response to set work and translation from English to French                            25% of qualification

Paper 3: Speaking: discussion on 2 themes from specification (AS)                                                  30% of qualification                                                                                                   

A Level breakdown

Paper 1: Listening, reading and translation from French to English and English to French       50% of qualification

Paper 2: Written response to set works                                                                                                    20% of qualification

Paper 3: Speaking: discussion on 2 themes from specification (AS)

              Discussion on one theme and presentation and discussion on 

              independent research (A2)                                                                                                           30% of qualification

Enrichment Opportunities

Students are actively encouraged to read widely as part of their course, including regular listening and reading of French news articles. Each student will have weekly sessions with our native French language assistant, an excellent opportunity to improve their spoken French and confidence. 

Throughout the course there are numerous opportunities to take part in translation and linguistic competitions such as the UK Linguistics Olympiad. 

In year 12 we also have a trip to France, most recently we have decided to visit Montpellier and the surrounding area due to the wide range of cultural heritage. 

University and Careers

There are many benefits to studying French to A level, not least of which is the increasing demand for foreign language skills in the international employment market. (Knowledge of French is sought after in Europe, North America, Africa and Asia). French can be studied either on its own or in combination with a full range of other subjects at university, and sits equally well with arts, humanities and sciences. Many large research, engineering, construction and cultural projects are undertaken with French partners, and knowledge of the language can be an important distinguishing factor in the job market. 

Equipment and Expenses

Essential

Course textbook and grammar books 

Optional

Participation trip to France