French A Level

The French culture is one of the most idolised in the world for its fashion, cosmopolitan way of life and architecture. Studying the language and lifestyle will really open your eyes to French society as you learn about the trends and issues of a complex nation.

Communicating in another language will build your self-confidence and is a highly valued skill for both university and employers. It opens up many new possibilities including working or studying abroad in the future, particularly as French is spoken in over 30 countries around the world.

You will study the artistic culture in France looking at the heritage, music and cinema, as well as exploring the political climate of a country whose politics and immigration policies have attracted international attention.

A Level French is more than just learning a language. It is thinking, debating, discussing, reading and observing.

First Year

The course in the Lower Sixth covers the themes of: family; education;the world of work; music;media and festivals in the context of France and other countries where French is spoken. This course builds on those topics covered at GCSE level and will improve your reading and listening with a greater understanding of grammar. Also, you will be able to write and speak French with much more confidence.

Second Year

The Upper Sixth continues to develop your skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing through the wider social and historical topics of: politics; immigration; German occupation and French Resistance during WWII. In addition, you will examine the works of a famous dramatist or author and of a film director through the medium of French in your Cultural Studies as well developing researching skills for your Independent Research Project.

General information

Throughout both years you will learn by using the Internet, our Languages ICT suite, through group and individual listening activities, role play, memorising, tasks to develop your reading skills and, especially, through conversation in a small group with a native French speaker. You will read and listen to a variety of texts, including stories, magazines, newspaper articles, podcasts and YouTube and have opportunities to take part in an annual cultural trip to Paris. Creative work may include acting, writing letters or stories and making recordings. Our most successful students enjoy listening to and reading French in their own time.

Please note that the Syllabus and Examination Board differ for French and Spanish and some topics do overlap. We follow the EDEXCEL specification for French and there is no coursework.

In the Lower Sixth, there is a speaking exam, a listening/reading/writing exam, and an essay writing exam. You have individual control of an MP3 player. The speaking test consists of discussing issues given on a card, which develops into an open-ended conversation based on the topics covered in the course.

In the Upper Sixth the same skills are assessed through three exams, and you will be questioned on your Cultural Topics and asked to give and defend your point of view. Regular monitoring of your work keeps you informed with how you are doing. You will learn in a friendly and relaxed, yet challenging atmosphere and we help you to do your best.

In addition to the A Level entry requirements of 4 GCSEs at grade 4 including English Language and/or Maths, you will need grade 5 in both GCSE French and GCSE English Language.

You could progress to university, higher apprenticeship or employment