French

Exam board: AQA Contact: Mr Mullor

If you’re passionate about French culture and linguistics, then A-Level French is the ideal subject for you. As one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, French opens doors to diverse cultures and opportunities across Europe, Africa, and beyond.

Our students achieve very strong results, reflecting the dedication and expertise of our faculty and the commitment of our learners. Studying A-Level French at our school provides a rich opportunity to deepen your understanding of this beautiful language and its cultural nuances. The course emphasises not only language proficiency but also fosters critical thinking and cultural awareness through engaging with a variety of topics, including literature, history, and contemporary social issues. You will enhance your communication skills, both written and oral, by analysing authentic materials and real-world contexts.

Building upon your existing knowledge from GCSE, A-Level French prepares you to use the language effectively in various contexts, whether at home, abroad, with friends, or in professional settings. Embrace the challenge of A-Level French and unlock the potential of bilingualism, enriching your global perspective and preparing you for a multitude of career paths and further education opportunities!

What will I study?

You will study two Cultural Topics (e.g. one book and one film) from a French-speaking country or community. You will also study:
 

Aspects of French-speaking society:

• The changing nature of the family
• ‘Cybersociety’
• Charity work
   

Artistic culture in the French-speaking world:

• Culture and national pride
• Contemporary French music
• Cinema
   

Aspects of French-speaking society:

• Positive features of a diverse society
• Life for marginalised peoples
• The treatment of criminals
   

Artistic culture in the French-speaking world:

• Teenagers, the right to vote and political commitment
• Demonstrations and strikes and who holds power
• Politics and immigration

How will I be assessed?

Unit 1: Listening, reading and writing, including writing in French

Unit 2: Writing – an essay on literature or film topic and translation into French

Unit 3: Speaking – discussion of two stimulus cards, each based on a different sub-theme

Exams

Paper 1: Listening, reading and writing

Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes

100 marks

50% of A-level

Paper 2: Writing (2 essays)

Written exam: 2 hours

80 marks in total

20% of A-level

Paper 3: Speaking

Oral exam: 21–23 minutes (including 5 minutes preparation time)

60 marks in total

30% of A-level

Where might it lead?

Having a language at A Level will improve your employability, and enhance your opportunities in whatever career path you wish to take, particularly with multinationals and jobs in journalism, the mass media and tourism. You may decide to do a degree. A language also supports study in English and International Studies.