French - A Level
French A Level is a varied and exciting course, which provides an excellent means of developing a range of linguistic and analytical skills. Students will consolidate and enhance their knowledge of French through discussion, group work, presentation and research. Lessons are conducted primarily in the target language. As well as learning to master the French language, students will study topics focused primarily on the French-speaking world and will thus gain a thorough understanding of the culture and modern history of this important European Union country and other francophone nations.
Year 12 Content
- Social issues and trends in the francophone world: changes in family structures, education, world of work.
- Political and artistic culture in the francophone world: contemporary music, media, festivals and traditions.
- A French language film or book.
- Translation, listening and reading skills.
- Oral examination
Year 13 Content
- Immigration and a multicultural French society: the impact of immigration in France, the challenges of immigration and integration, the extreme right.
- The French occupation and resistance during the Second World War, the Vichy regime.
- Individual research project on an issue relating to the French-speaking world.
- A French language book.
- Translation, listening and reading skills.
- Oral examination
Assessment
Students sit examinations in their A Level courses at the end of Year 13. All students will take internal end of year examinations at the end of year 12 to determine suitability to continue with the subject in Year 13. Students who do not meet the required pass grade in the Year 12 end of year examinations will not be permitted to progress into Year 13.
Paper 1: Listening, reading and translating French-English and English-French.
Paper 2: Written response to the film and/or book.
Paper 3: Speaking exam: discussion of topics studied; plus at A Level, a presentation and discussion on individual research project.