French

The modern foreign languages department delivers a specialist and immersive course which continues to develop and perfect students' productive and receptive skills.

Throughout the course of study, students will be able to learn through an interesting and varied way of teaching; clips from French news channels, newspapers and magazines allow discussion and debate around differing topics. A look into secularism in education, France’s 35-hour working week, immigration and integration laws and the role the Vichy government played during the occupation of France in the 1940s allows students to also look at France in a historical manner, meaning that this course will offer something for everyone.

Why study French?

Continuing with the study of French to a higher level is an invaluable skill which promotes confidence, develops independence, resilience and creativity and allows students to delve further into the most interesting aspects of francophone culture and language.

Qualification	A Level French
Awarding Body	Edexcel
Year 12	In Year 12, a variety of topics are taught across three key themes. Throughout the topics, key grammatical points and cultural topics will be explored. Students will also be required to undertake an in-depth study of a contemporary French film and French novel.
Year 13	Students will study the fourth theme. Students will also choose their topic for the Independent Research Project which forms part of the final speaking examination.
Assessment	This course is assessed by exams at the end of Year 13. Paper 1 – Listening, Reading and Translation: Worth 40% of the total qualification and comprises of a reading, listening and translation into English section. The number of available marks for Paper 1 is 64, and it is 1 hour and 45 minutes long. Paper 2 – Written Response to Works and Translation: Worth 30% of the total qualification. It is worth 60 marks and is 1 hour and 40 minutes long. The paper is split into two sections; Section A (Translation) and Section B (Written response to Literary Texts) OR Section C (Written response to Films). Paper 3 – Speaking: An internally conducted and externally assessed piece of work worth 72 marks and 30% of the overall grade.

J’adore apprendre le français. Les cours se concentrent sur les thèmes culturels et je parle beaucoup. J’aime étudier les films et la littérature francophone!

Year 12 student