French
Aims of the course
- To provide learners with the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the language and culture of the French-speaking world through authentic texts, and cinema and literary works in French.
- To develop high level skills in comprehension of both spoken and written French.
- To develop fluency in oral communication regarding a wide range of topics relevant to French-speaking culture and society.
- To develop transferable skills such as communication, creativity, research skills, critical-thinking, adaptability, problem-solving, and open-mindedness.
- To prepare students for employment or further study, including a Modern Languages degree.
Course content
Students study the following sub-themes relevant to current French society and culture:
- Aspects of French-speaking society: current trends
The changing nature of family (La famille en voie de changement)
The ‘cyber-society’ (La « cyber-société »)
The place of voluntary work (Le rôle du bénévolat)
- Artistic culture in the French-speaking world
A culture proud of its heritage (Une culture fière de son patrimoine)
Contemporary francophone music (La musique francophone contemporaine)
Cinema: the 7th art form (Cinéma : le septième art)
- Aspects of French-speaking society: current issues
Positive features of a diverse society (Les aspects positifs d’une société diverse)
Life for the marginalised (Quelle vie pour les marginalisés ? )
How criminals are treated (Comment on traite les criminels)
- Aspects of political life in the French-speaking world
Teenagers, the right to vote and political commitment (Les ados, le droit de vote et l’engagement politique)
Demonstrations, strikes – who holds the power? (manifestations, grèves – à qui le pouvoir?)
Politics and immigration (La politique et l’immigration)
- An independent research topic for the speaking exam
- One book plus a film or a second book from a set list.
Assessment
Examination | Weighing | Length of time | Assessment |
Paper 1 | 40% | 1 hour 45 mins | Listening, Reading, Translation into English |
Paper 2 | 30% | 1 hour 15 mins | Translation into French, Essay on set film/book |
Paper 3 | 30% | 12-14 mins (plus 15 mins for preparation) | Speaking |
A-level is a two year linear course. All exams take place at the end of year 2.
Examination | Weighting | Length of time | Assessment |
Paper 1 | 40% | 2 hours 30 mins | Listening, Reading, Translation |
Paper 2 | 30% | 2 hours | Essays on set film/book(s) |
Paper 3 | 30% | 21-23 mins (incl. 5 mins for preparation) | Speaking
|
Grades are awarded from A*-E
Career Opportunities
French is one of the most widely spoken languages globally – by more than 200 million people on four different continents. Studying French will enhance employment prospects in a wide range of sectors, giving you the ‘international edge’, as well as helping you improve your communication and critical thinking skills, thus having a positive impact on your other studies.
Jobs directly related to French include:
- Interpreter
- Secondary school teacher
- Translator
Jobs where a language would be useful include:
- Broadcast journalist
- Detective
- Diplomatic service officer
- International aid/development worker
- Logistics and distribution manager
- Marketing executive
- Sales executive
- Tour manager
Students follow a coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course which will provide them with the necessary foundation either to continue with the study of French as a main subject or as a useful adjunct to some other subject at university.