Students choose A Level French because they have a love of the language and a strong interest in the culture and society of French-speaking countries. It appeals to students who want to learn to communicate fluently in French by exploring increasingly sophisticated topics of current and cultural interest.
French A Level
Dereham Sixth Form College
Crown Road, Dereham, Norfolk, NR20 4AG
GCE A/AS Level or Equivalent
Level 3
Available start dates
Available start dates
Tuesday, 01 September 2026
Dereham Sixth Form College
2 Year(s)
Full time
Daytime/working hours
Block A
Please contact the provider directly to apply for this course.
Application Instructions
Please note that applications to the sixth form close on Wednesday 14th January 2026. If you wish to make an application after this date please contact the sixth form office at office@derehamsixthform.norfolk.sch.uk or call 01362 696884.
For more information about a place at Dereham Sixth Form College for September 2026, please visit the website - www.dsfc.org.uk
Course Instructions
Most students will choose the equivalent of 3 A Levels but in some circumstances a maximum of 4. These are subjects that will continue for the full two years. Select only one subject from each option block (choosing more than 1 course from the same block will delay your application as courses from each block are timetabled at the same time). All courses are equivalent to 1 A Level except where specified differently below.
Dereham Education & Soccer Academy Including BTEC Diploma in Sport (equivalent to three A Level subjects, no other subject choices required).
If your choice of subjects are not available due to limitations of the blocks, please email us with the details: office@derehamsixthform.norfolk.sch.uk
Course Details
We understand the starting point of post-GCSE students and we take you step by step to a much higher level. Progress is very rapid, both in terms of linguistic and cognitive challenge, so this is an ideal course for talented linguists who want to think and express themselves.
Language skills are much in demand with employers and universities alike. The Russell Group of universities emphasise that a language A Level is a ‘facilitating subject’ which will be well regarded for almost any university course. Having a language is often the key to getting a foot in the door for that all-important first job, in any competitive career.
We follow the AQA specification.
We have developed a course which interlinks all the key elements throughout the two years. This means that you will learn vocabulary and grammar thoroughly to match the topic areas you are tackling. In addition, elements such as independent research, cultural knowledge and literary texts will be woven into every topic area. We will balance the focus on preparing you for the exam, with a strong emphasis on developing your ability to speak fluently and naturally.
The topics you will study will develop your understanding of current social, political and artistic trends in France and Francophone countries. This will include the study of books and films in French. We will equip you with the grammatical knowledge and vocabulary you need and build your ability to express yourself with increasing spontaneity and sophistication.
Assessment
Paper 1: Listening, reading, translation.
Paper 2: Written essays on the film and book/s you have studied.
Paper 3: Speaking exam on elements of culture, art or society in the French-speaking world, including an Extended Research Project.
Entry requirements
Minimum 65444 including 6 in French and 5 in English GCSE.
Your next steps...
Broadening your Horizons
Many of our students study languages at university, either as a main subject or alongside other disciplines. Studying A Level languages equips you to work and travel abroad and some students have gone on to start new language, such as Arabic. Others have spent time working or studying in France, Spain and Latin America. According to the Higher Education Careers Service annual report, language graduates are more likely to be working abroad that graduates of other disciplines and can have better employment prospects overall.
For more courses like this, check our courses page.