French A Level

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French

A Level                                                                                     Exam Board: Edexcel

Entrance requirements:

Candidates for A Level French should have taken Higher papers at GCSE and achieved a 7 or above.

Career opportunities:

Where Higher Education is concerned, as well as the more traditional University language courses, there is a wide selection where languages are linked, such as Law, Drama, or Business Studies. For those not intending to study languages at University, a modern language is still of immense practical use for future life. Modern European languages at A Level are also a sound base for anyone contemplating a non-European language at University; they are also a useful asset in a vast range of careers including Accountancy, Banking, Telecommunications, Insurance, Publishing, Management, Law, and the Civil Service.

More and more professional people nowadays find it vital to be able to deal with their European counterparts in a foreign language. France is a near neighbour of ours in Europe and is a successful and prosperous EU country and trading partner.

Structure of course:

The content builds on the understanding developed and achieved during the GCSE. The qualification features inspiring and engaging themes providing clear links to the most fundamental and interesting aspects of French culture.

The A Level course aims to:

• enhance linguistic skills and promote and develop capacity for critical thinking on the basis of knowledge and understanding of the language, culture and society of the country or countries where the language is spoken
• develop control of the language system to convey meaning, using spoken and written skills, including an extended range of vocabulary, for both practical and intellectual purposes as increasingly confident, accurate and independent users of the language develop ability to interact effectively with users of the language in speech and in writing, including through online media
• develop language learning skills and strategies, including communication
• engage critically with intellectually stimulating texts, films and other materials in the original language, developing an appreciation of sophisticated and creative uses of the language and understanding them within their cultural and social context
• develop knowledge about matters central to the society and culture, past and present, of the country or countries where the language is spoken
• mediate between cultures and between speakers of the language and speakers of English
• foster their ability to learn other languages
• equip themselves with transferable skills such as autonomy, resourcefulness, creativity, critical thinking, and linguistic, cultural and cognitive flexibility that will enable them to proceed to further study or to employment
• develop as independent researchers through the language of study.

Therefore, you need to enjoy the subject already and have a genuine desire to study it to a higher level.

What will the lessons be like?

Pupils start the course on topics which are familiar to them from the GCSE course and quickly develop their ability to speak, understand and write the foreign language using material from modern textbooks and authentic sources such as the internet, newspapers, magazines and films. The course deals with subjects of genuine interest and importance to young people. Over the two year period, the syllabus will cover popular literary texts and films with a rich choice that includes contemporary and more classical titles, together with authentic source materials.

The structure includes four engaging themes studied alongside two works, one literary text and one film.

Les changements dans la société française

La culture politique et artistique dans les pays francophones

L’immigration et la société multiculturelle française

L’Occupation et la Résistance

Lessons will be conducted predominantly in French and students will have the opportunity for a weekly lesson with our native French assistant.

Am I expected to go to France?

Yes. It is assumed that those taking A Level French will be willing to spend a useful period of time (at least a week) in France in order to put classroom knowledge into practice and to experience French culture. The students are encouraged to take part in the “Study and Cultural Visits” organised each year by the French Department. In addition, any opportunity to be exposed the language during family holidays will be invaluable as well.

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