A Level French

La vie est belle! 

The A-level course builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills gained at GCSE. It constitutes an integrated study with a focus on language, culture and society. It fosters a range of transferable skills including communication, critical thinking, research skills and creativity, which are valuable to the individual and society. The content is suitable for students who wish to progress to employment or further study, including a modern languages degree. The approach is a focus on how French-speaking society has been shaped, socially and culturally, and how it continues to change.

Students study technological and social change, looking at diversity and the benefits it brings. They will study highlights of French-speaking artistic culture, including francophone music and cinema, and learn about political engagement and who wields political power in the French-speaking world. 

Students also explore the influence of the past on present-day French-speaking communities. Throughout their studies, they will learn the language in the context of French-speaking countries and the issues and influences which have shaped them. Students will study a novel and film and have the opportunity to carry out independent research on an area of their choice. 

The approach is a focus on how French-speaking society has been shaped, socially and culturally, and how it continues to change.

In the first year, aspects of the social context are studied, together with aspects of the artistic life of French-speaking countries.

In the second year further aspects of the social background are covered, this time focusing on issues, such as life for those on the margins of French-speaking society as well as looking at the positive influences that diversity brings.

Students must study the themes and sub-themes below in relation to at least one French-speaking country. Course Content:

Exam Board: AQA

Paper 1: Listening, reading and writing (40% of A Level)

Paper 2: Writing (30% of A-level)

Paper 3: Speaking (30% of A-level)

Individual research project

Students must identify a subject or a key question which is of interest to them and which relates to a country or countries where French is spoken. They must select relevant information in French from a range of sources including the internet. The aim of the research project is to develop research skills. Students will demonstrate their ability to initiate and conduct individual research by analysing and summarising their findings, in order to present and discuss them in the speaking assessment.

Studying French at A Level is valuable in many different ways; 

• Combining French with subjects such as Geography, Business or Art at degree level will allow a wider number of course options.
• Language degrees often include a year overseas. 
• French is a language widely used in business and language skills could increase employability.