French

Level 3 Pathway - In order to enrol onto our Level 3 courses, students must have achieved a minimum of 5 grade 4s at GCSE Level across 4 different subject areas; this should ideally include a Grade 4 for English Language and Mathematics.

It is important that students also pay attention to any individual subject entry requirements.

It may be that a small number of students are recommended to sit AS qualifications at the end of Year 12 in order to inform decisions about progression into Year 13, however these AS examinations are standalone and do not contribute to the overall A Level qualification.

Why?

A level French develops linguists who speak spontaneously, write confidently and who can understand a wide variety of spoken and written materials. Students develop a deeper understanding of societal and cultural issues through the study of topics as wide-ranging as Francophone music, cyber-society and the culture of striking. The course also includes the study of the film Entre les murs and the French novel No et moi. A level French will provide you with a firm foundation for degree-level study or equivalent and, taken on its own or combined with another subject, could enable you to spend part of your degree in a French-speaking country.

Course Structure

Students sit three exams covering listening and reading comprehension, translation into English and French, an essay each on the set film and text, and the speaking exam.

In Year 12 you will study:

Social trends: the changing nature of the family unit, ‘cyber-society’ and the role of voluntary work.

Artistic culture: the nature of cultural heritage, contemporary Francophone music, French cinema

Film: Entre les murs (dir. Laurent Cantet), an award-winning semi-autobiographical film set in a real high school in a difficult suburb of Paris.

In Year 13 you will study:

Social issues: Positive features of a diverse society, life for the marginalised, the treatment of criminals.

Political life: The right to vote and political engagement, demonstrations and strikes, politics and immigration.

Text: No et Moi, by Delphine de Vigan, which tells the story of a high-achieving but troubled teenager whose life changes when she befriends a homeless girl.

Independent research project: Into an aspect of French society or culture. The project is assessed in the speaking exam only.

A level French students will use authentic spoken and written sources from a variety of contexts and will develop the ability to discuss and analyse topics and build arguments.

Extended Learning

Tasks range from listening and reading comprehension to grammar and translation exercises and essay writing, in addition to focused study of the film or set text and research the independent research project in Year 13. Students are given comprehensive guidance and supported with a list of useful online resources and websites to direct their independent work.

Ideally grade 6 GCSE French