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French A level

Students looking to study French in the Sixth Form need a high grade at GCSE as the courses are demanding and build on the skills already developed. Students will need to talk to native speakers and the school would recommend that students spend time immersed in the language of choice on an exchange or educational visit during the holidays as well as take advantage of the study visits arranged by the school.

During the course students will develop their linguistic skills while studying authentic contemporary material, drawn from newspapers, magazines, radio, television and the internet. Topics include language for business and leisure use and many aspects of culture and society, such as the arts, the media, literature, social problems, politics, scientific and technological developments, the environment, a town or region, industry and a period of recent history.

The syllabus is very flexible and allows for a modular or linear approach, with a possible AS qualification after one year's study and A2 after two. Examinations involve multi-skill testing, i.e. listening, reading and writing in the target language and also a small amount of translation. Speaking is examined at both levels, accounting for 30% of the marks.

The new syllabus follows the AQA exam board requirements and students have the opportunity to access extensive online resources at school or at home. These resources will allow students to self test and evaluate, using independent learning effectively.

French AS students have the opportunity to be immerse in the French culture and language for a week during the Easter holidays. Students attend 4 hour lessons at the language school in Nice and have free time in the afternoon for excursions and visits. This study visit is particularly useful as students would have been able to polish their oral skills just before their Speaking exam. To see photos from the last trip please click here.