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
Entry requirements	Pass in English and Maths, 5 or more grades at 5+ (this can include English and maths), grade 6 or higher in French.
Year 12	In Year 12, a variety of topics are taught across two key themes. Students will study changes in the family structure in French society, the world of travel, music and the media and festivals and traditions. Students will also be required to undertake an in-depth study of a French film and French novel and begin preparation for an Independent Research Project.
Year 13	In Year 13, students will continue to study a range of topics looking at modern French society. The topics covered in Year 13 are more political and relate to current affairs such as the positive impact of immigration, integration and division in France. We also study historical issues such as the French occupation, Vichy France and the resistance. Students in Year 13 will also continue to study the skills of analysis of a French film or French novel to continue and prepare for their Independent Research Project.
Assessment	This course is assessed by exams at the end of Year 13. Paper 1, Listening, Reading and Translation makes up 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 will be 1 hour and 45 minutes long. Paper 2, Written Response to Works and Translation makes up 30% of the total qualification, it is worth 60 marks and is 1 hour 40 minutes long; this paper is split into 2 sections; Section A – Translation and Section B – Written response to works (Literary texts) OR Section C – Written response to works (Films). The final component, Paper 3 – Speaking is 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