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Head Department:
Mrs K Waters
Why choose the subject?
Globalisation, the ease of international travel and technology are bringing more of the world within our reach and the ability to communicate as well as understand and appreciate different cultures is an invaluable skill which is highly valued by employers.
The A level French course allows you to develop an advanced level knowledge and understanding of the French language, the culture of France and other French–speaking countries as well as many transferable study skills.
A level French is a two Year course.
Who is eligible?
GCSE grade 6 or above is the minimum requirement.
Qualification Type: A Level only (2 year)
Specification: Year 2024/2026 Advanced Level Award Examination Board: Edexcel
Theme 1: Les changements dans la société française
Theme 1 is set in the context of France only. • Les changements dans les structures familiales • L’éducation • Le monde du travail
Theme 2: La culture politique et artistique dans les pays francophones
Theme 2 is set in the context of francophone countries and communities. • La musique • Les médias • Les festivals et les traditions
Theme 3: L’immigration et la société multiculturelle française
Theme 3 is set in the context of France only. • L’intégration et le multiculturalisme • La montée de l’extrême droite
Theme 4: L’Occupation et la Résistance
Theme 4 is set in the context of France only. • L’Occupation • La Résistance
Paper 1: Listening, reading and translation
Written examination: 2 hours, 40% of qualification (80 marks.)
Section A: Listening (30 marks)
This section will be made up of spoken passages covering different registers and types, including authentic communication involving one or male and female speakers. Sources will include material from online media.
Section B: Reading (30 marks)
The reading section will be made up of texts containing both factual and abstract content and will be authentic or adapted from authentic sources. The texts will include contemporary, historical, literary, fiction and non-fiction, written for different purposes and audiences.
Section C: Translation into English (20 marks)
The content for the translation will be taken from one of the four themes.
Paper 2: Written response to works and translation
Written examination: 2 hours and 40 minutes 30% of qualification (120 marks)
Section A: Translation into French (20 marks)
Students are given an unseen text in English to translate into French.
Section B: Written response to works (literary texts) (50 marks)
Section C: Written response to works (films) (50 marks)
Candidates must write an extended response in French on either 1 literary text and a film or 2 literary texts from the prescribed literary texts and films. There will be a choice of two questions for each literary text and film. Students will give a critical and analytical response by selecting relevant material from the works. Candidates will be expected to present and justify points of view, develop arguments, draw conclusions based on understanding and evaluate issues, themes and cultural and social contexts related to the works studied. Candidates can write 300-350 words although all the essay will be marked regardless of length.
Paper 3: Speaking
Internally conducted and externally assessed
30% of the qualification (72 marks)
Total assessment time: between 27 and 30 minutes, which includes 15 minutes of formal preparation time.
Task 1 : discussion on a theme based on a stimulus containing 2 different statements
Task 2 part 1: independent research presentation, a summary of at least 2 of the written sources they have used for their research.
Task 2 part 2: students answer questions on their presentation and then have a wider discussion on their research.
Languages combine well with virtually any subject for further study. The range of combined degrees and further education courses involving a language is limitless – from Accountancy with Russian to Theatre Studies with Italian.
This course is commonly studied with:
As an A-Level subject, French complements several other A-Level courses, including English language, German, Spanish, history and religious studies.
Future Careers:
Translation, business, writing, teaching, diplomatic service officer, international aid worker.