A Level French

You will study the language through four main themes. You will consider social issues and trends: the changing nature of family, the ‘cyber-society’, the place of voluntary work, positive features of a diverse society, life for the marginalised and how criminals are treated. You will learn about political and artistic culture in the French-speaking world: a culture proud of its heritage, contemporary francophone music, cinema - the 7th art form, teenagers, the right to vote and political commitment, demonstrations, strikes – who holds the power and politics and immigration. You will study literary texts and may choose to study a film. You will also complete an individual research project where you will identify and research a subject or key question that you will present and discuss in the speaking assessment.

One 2 hour and 30 minute exam on listening, reading and writing, worth 50%; one 2 hour written exam about the set works and a speaking exam, worth 20%; approximately 22 minutes, covering one of the themes studied and your research project, worth 30%.

Studying languages teaches you the skills that employers look for: an analytical mind; good thought process; strong memory capacity; fantastic cultural and intercultural awareness; good communication; and teamwork. At university, you can take a language as your main degree subject or combine it with another language or subject such as history, maths or music.