A Level - French

Course Information

What does the course involve?

A Level French will take your knowledge of the French language to the next level, but will also give you the opportunity to explore fascinating aspects of French social, cultural and political life. The emphasis of study at A Level is on learning more about how the language works, mastering grammatical structures, expanding vocabulary and gathering knowledge, understanding and opinions about a range of more advanced topics that go beyond the personal information you focused on at GCSE. 

Students will have many opportunities to develop confidence and competence in the key exam skills using a variety of up to date authentic sources and materials (audio, video, printed, on-line), teaching strategies and topic areas. You will have the opportunity to participate in a French exchange with our partner school in Lyon, which will enable you to experience the language first hand in an authentic setting. 

Throughout the A Level course students will: 

Develop knowledge and understanding of aspects of French society, culture and history of the country or countries where French is spoken, studying themes from each of the following areas:

 o Year 1: Aspects of French-speaking society: current trends (the changing nature of the family, the “cyber-society”, the role of voluntary work) 

o Year 2: Aspects of French-speaking society: current issues (features of a diverse society, life for the marginalised, how criminals are treated)

o Year 1: Artistic culture in the French-speaking world: (cultural heritage, contemporary francophone music, cinema) 

o Year 2: Aspects of political life in the French-speaking world: (young people’s involvement in politics, the right to vote, unions, strikes and demonstrations, politics and immigration)

o Year 1: Study of a film (La Haine/Mathieu Kassovitz)

o Year 2: Study of a literary work (No et Moi/Delphine de Vigan) 

o Year 2 Independent Research Project on a topic of personal interest 

For further course information please click here

Entry Requirements

At least 6 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 , including GCSE English Language, and meeting the entry criteria of individual subjects (Level 2 vocational qualifications at Merit or Distinction will be treated as equivalent to one GCSE)

Grade 6 in GCSE French.

Can I take additional qualifications?

If you choose to study French, you will usually take it alongside two other A Levels, though it is sometimes possible for students who achieve high average GCSE grades to add French to their programme of three other subjects.

How will I be assessed?

• 100% examination

  Paper 1

  • Listening, Reading and Translation - 50% of A Level (NB A Level listening is individual with headphones and controlled by the candidate)

  Paper 2

  • Writing (on film and book) - 20% of A Level 

  Paper 3

  • Speaking (stimulus card + independent research project) - 30% of A Level 

What are the costs?

There are no charges to study on any of our cours­es. However, we strongly advise all students to purchase their own copies of a few resources which they will find it useful to annotate, at a cost of about £12-15.  Also, there may be costs associated with participation in our French exchange if students choose to take part.

What is the duration?

This is a two year course.

What is the UCAS points tariff for this course?

A Level

How do I apply?

Click here to apply