French

Subject

Why study?

What can I do with?

Subject combinations.

Extras

What will I study?

French

Languages are everywhere, be it on holiday, at work, or on a daily basis. This course inspires students who have an appreciation of the language and culture of the French-speaking world. French A-level covers a wide range of interesting topics (such as music, technology, arts, politics, French history), which are relevant to the world we live in. You will gain an advanced level of knowledge and understanding of the French language, literature, film and culture of France and other francophone countries. The skills you acquire will prepare you for further education and enhance your employability.

You will develop your love of the French language, whilst being able to communicate effectively, confidently and clearly.

Choosing A-level French will open many doors, offer you a range of career possibilities, and enable you to have fun en route.

Knowledge of a modern foreign language to A-level is a valuable asset to further your education or enhance your employability. At university French can be studied in combination with another language or almost any other subject. This knowledge is a much sought after skill in the current job market, giving you access to a wide range of career options such as interpreting, translation, teaching, marketing, journalism, media, sport, tourism, banking, law, exports, fashion, engineering, business – careers within UK or international companies can give you many opportunities to travel and work both in the UK and around the world - almost anything, almost anywhere!

French combines well with almost any other subject – from the Sciences to English, History to Geography, Film studies to Economics

A range of soirées françaises take place every term for you to communicate and have fun with your classmates. These include cinema and theatre visits, eating-out. You could also support younger learners of French, as a French language assistant, if you wish!

A visit to France during the course will, of course, enable you to put all your language skills into practice!

Studying languages gives you all the skills employers look for: fantastic communication skills, an analytical mind, team work, superb cultural awareness, great memory capacity. Speaking another language makes you highly valuable to any company who does international business and can increase your salary by 20%.

You will study 4 themes :

1 – changes in French society ( eg how the family unit / marriage is changing, education system, world of work, equality between men + women)

2 – political + artistic culture in francophone countries ( eg francophone music, media + freedom of speech, festivals + traditions)

3 – immigration + multicultural French society (eg challenges + benefits of immigration in France, the National Front + extreme right)

4 – the Occupation + Resistance during WW2 ( eg France during the Occupation, the Vichy regime, the Resistance)

You will also study literature : the book Un sac de billes by Joseph Joffo and the film Chocolat, directed by Clare Denis

The A-level exam consists of 3 papers :

1 – listening, reading + translation ( into English) : 80 marks, 2 hours, 40%)

2 – Written response to literature + translation ( into French) : 120 marks, 2 hours 40, 30%

3 – Speaking ( including research project) : 72 marks, 21-23 minutes, 30%

Biology

6 in GCSE Biology if doing single sciences.

or 6,6 in GCSE Trilogy Science.

6 in GCSE Maths.

Chemistry

6 in GCSE Chemistry if doing single sciences.

or 6,6 in GCSE Trilogy Science.

6 in GCSE Maths.

Classical Civilisation

6 in History

Computer Science

6 in GCSE Maths

6 in Computing if taken at GCSE

Economics

6 in GCSE Maths

English Language/Literature

6 in either GCSE English Language or Literature.

English Literature

6 in English Literature GCSE

Fine Art

6 in Art if taken at GCSE

Film Studies

6 in a Humanities subject or English GCSE

French

6 in GCSE French

Geography

6 in GCSE Geography

Government & Politics

6 in a Humanities subject or English GCSE

History

6 in GCSE History or a humanities subject

Maths

7 in GCSE Maths

Maths (Further)

8 in GCSE Maths

Music

6 in GCSE Music if taken and at least one instrument/voice to Grade 5.

If music is not taken at GCSE then grade 5 or above in an instrument and theory is required.

PE

6 in PE if taken at GCSE

Psychology

5 in GCSE Maths or Science

6 in GCSE English

Physics

6 in GCSE Physics or 6-6 in Combined Science

6 in GCSE Maths

Philosophy & Religion

6 in Religious Studies if taken at GCSE

6 in a Humanities subject.

Sociology

6 in a Humanities subject or English GCSE

Spanish

6 in GCSE Spanish

Theatre Studies

6 in Drama if taken at GCSE

Cambridge National Health & Social Care

4’s in English and Mathematics

Cambridge Technical in Sport & Physical Activity

4’s in English and Mathematics

Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology

4’s in English and Mathematics

Level 3 Applied Diploma in Tourism

4’s in English and Mathematics

Level 3 Applied General Certificate for Early Years, Childcare and Education

4’s in English and Mathematics

Level 3 Extended Diploma in Public Services

4’s in English and Mathematics

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Science

5’s in Science