Modern Foreign Languages (French/Spanish)

Studying French or Spanish at A level is unique in its combined study of language, sociology, history, culture, literature and film. This course will stimulate students’ cultural understanding of the countries across the world where French/Spanish is spoken through lessons which will involve the study of current and authentic spoken and written sources from across the French/Spanish speaking world. You will also gain invaluable research skills as you undertake your own personal study of a topic of interest which will provide an excellent foundation for further study at university.

Component 1: Students will study the four themes: Changes in French/Spanish Society; Political and Artistic Culture in French/Spanish Speaking Countries; Immigration and Multicultural French/Spanish Society; French - Occupation and Resistance in WW2/ Spanish – Franco Dictatorship and the transition to Democracy. This component is assessed through a 2 hour exam with listening and reading questions plus translation from French/Spanish to English and is 40% of the final A Level Grade.

Component 2: Students will study a literary text and a film in French/Spanish, exploring the characters and themes in order to develop a detailed understanding and appreciation of the works. They will then be assessed through an exam of 2 hours and 40 minutes where they will write a critical and analytical response to each of the works plus translating a passage from English to French/Spanish based on one of the 4 themes mentioned above. This is 30% of the final A Level Grade.

Component 3: Students will choose a subject of interest relating to the social and cultural context of France/Spain or a French/Spanish speaking country. They will carry out extensive research for this Independent Research Project (IRP) in order to present and discuss their findings as part of their speaking exam. They will also discuss a statement about one of the 4 themes they have studied during the course. This exam will last around 21-23 minutes and is 30% of the final A Level Grade.

GCSE Grade 6 or above in Language studied