A Level French
Overview:
French is an academic and engaging A Level in which students develop an awareness and understanding of contemporary society, cultural background and heritage of France and French speaking countries. Students enhance their linguistic skills and engage critically with intellectually stimulating texts, films and contemporary themes, through listening, reading and responding to a variety of spoken and written texts.
In class, students are encouraged to use the French language accurately to express facts and ideas, and to present explanations, opinions and information in both speech and writing. Students are assessed in speaking, listening, reading and writing and their ability to respond critically and analytically to the study of a literary work and film.
The aim of the course is to develop linguistic and cultural understanding of France/Francophone countries by studying social, intellectual, historical and political cultural themes, literature and film. Research an area of interest and become a more fluent French speaker.
“The support I’ve received from the French staff has been phenomenal and I couldn’t have asked for more helpful, proactive teachers.”
Course Structure and Content:
Year 1: 2 themes, 1 film (Intouchables)
Year 2: 2 themes, 1 literary work (Boule de Suif et autres contes de la guerre), independent research project.
- Theme 1 - Being a young person in Frenchspeaking society Families and citizenship; Youth trends and personal identity; Education and employment opportunities.
- Theme 2 - Understanding the French-speaking world Regional culture and heritage in France, Frenchspeaking countries and communities. Media, art, film and music in the French-speaking world.
- Theme 3 - Diversity and difference Migration and integration; Cultural identity and marginalisation; Cultural enrichment and celebrating difference; Discrimination and diversity.
- Theme 4 - France 11940-1950: The Occupation and post-war years. June 1940 - May 1945 The cultural dimension in occupied France; 1945-1950 Rebuilding and restructuring society in post-war years.
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Assessment:
At the end of the Lower 6th, students sit an exam on all of the Lower 6th content. This does not count towards the final grade, but assesses the content at this half-way point before progression to the Upper 6th. The final assessments at the end of the Upper 6th are as below:
- Assessment 1 - 30% Speaking independent research project presentation and discussion and stimulus card (60 marks).
- Assessment 2 - 50% 2 hours 30 minutes listening, reading and translation paper based on Themes 1 to 4 (100 marks).
- Assessment 3 - 20% 2 hour written paper based on film and literary work (40 marks).
Complementary Courses:
Future Career Opportunities:
Highly valued by Russell Group universities including Oxford, Cambridge and the LSE for single and joint honours degrees. Employment in Education; Translation; Hospitality: Tourism; IT; Law; Civil Service; Local Government; Media and Journalism.