The A Level specification builds on the knowledge and skills acquired at GCSE. It constitutes an integrated study with a focus on both the language and culture of France. Students will consider how French-speaking society has been shaped socially and culturally, as well as how it continues to change covering aspects of music, technology, arts and politics. Students are also required to study both a book and a film in order to appreciate, analyse and respond critically in French to the works.
Teaching and Learning Methods
The aim of this course is to improve students’ linguistic competence, as well as helping them explore the culture and civilisation of France. Students will develop the four key skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing across a wide range of topics and current affairs issues. The course also fosters a range of transferable skills including communication, critical thinking, research skills and creativity.
Assessment
In A Level French, assessment is carried out through three examinations, each designed to test different aspects of language proficiency. These assessments focus on listening and reading comprehension, written fluency, and oral fluency, as follows:
- Paper 1: Listening, Reading and Writing– This is a 2.5 hour examination which includes a range of listening and reading comprehension questions; two summary questions and translations from and into French.
- Paper 2: Writing – This is a 2 hour examination in which students must answer an essay question in French for each of the two works they have studied (a film and a book). These essays are assessed for their content and their analytical response as well as for the quality of the language.
- Paper 3: Speaking– This is a 20 minute examination which includes the presentation and discussion of the student’s individual research project.
The final grade is determined by performance across these three components, ensuring that students are assessed on their comprehensive ability to understand, communicate, and critically analyse in the French language.
Skills and Careers Insight
A Level French enhances your communication, cultural awareness, and problem-solving skills, allowing you to master a new language and understand its cultural context. You'll develop fluency in speaking, writing, listening, and reading, along with the ability to think critically and express complex ideas. These skills open doors to careers in translation, international business, tourism, diplomacy, journalism, and education. Whether you want to work as a translator, foreign correspondent, or in multinational companies, A Level French provides a strong foundation for careers that require global communication and cross-cultural understanding.
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