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WHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?

Learning any language can be fun, deeply rewarding and equip you with a wide range of desirable, transferable skills. As well as improving your language skills, you will learn how to express yourself clearly and cope with unfamiliar situations. You will not only study the French language, but also the culture and society of French-speaking countries throughout the world. 

French is a key language in global trade and combines well with the study of many other subjects and can add an international dimension to any career. 

Foreign language skills are in demand by UK employers and the study of languages at A level is increasingly being seen as an advantage for applications to many different courses at the country’s leading universities. 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

You will require a Grade 5 or higher in GCSE French, a positive approach, a willingness to talk (in French!) and a desire to learn and practise are, of course, necessary for success. 

SYLLABUS

YEAR 12

Social issues and trends 

  • The changing nature of the family 
  • The cyber-society 
  • The place of voluntary work 

Political and artistic culture 

  • A country proud of its heritage
  • Contemporary music
  • Cinema 

Grammar 

  • Works: 1 film 
  • Individual research project 

YEAR 13

Social issues and trends 

  • Positive aspects of a diverse society
  • Life for the marginalised 
  • How criminals are treated 

Political and artistic culture

  • Teenagers and the right to vote
  • Political commitment
  • Immigration 

Grammar 

  • Works: 1 film and 1 literary text
  • Individual research project 

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED AND EXAMINED?

The exam is split into two written papers and a spoken exam which will be taken at the end of year 13 as an A level. 

  • Paper 1 Listening, Reading and Writing - 50% 
  • Paper 2 Writing about a French film or literary text – 20%
  • Paper 3 Speaking – Presentation and discussion - 30% 

FUTURE COURSES AND POSSIBLE CAREERS

The ability to speak French will make you very attractive to future employers! It can offer opportunities to travel and to work and live abroad. Teaching, hotel and leisure industries, tourism, banking, advertising, journalism, the airline industry, manufacturing and engineering are just some of the careers that favour an employee with another language.

There are many courses at universities that involve studying French either on its own or as part of a combination with another subject. Many courses involve spending time in a French-speaking country.