Course Content

3.1.1 Aspects of French-speaking society: current trends; 3.1.2 Aspects of French-speaking society: current issues; 3.3 Grammar; 3.4.1 Literary Texts & Films; 3.5 Individual Research Project

A-Level French offers students the opportunity to develop an in-depth knowledge of the language through the exploration of Francophone culture and society. The curriculum demands students to develop knowledge and an informed opinion on a variety of cultural and social themes in relation to Francophone countries. This varied and challenging course incorporates the study of two literary works from the fields of Literature and Film. Using the linguistic skills developed in Year 1 students will learn how to analyse and debate the set works in French. In Year 2 students will embark upon an independent research project which allows them to choose a topic of interest related to the key themes of the course and study this in greater detail. The research project will be a unique opportunity to develop individual interests and must be distinct from the topics chosen by others on the course. A comprehensive grammar programme underpins the topic areas to enable students to develop the linguistic skills to use the language independently. Completion of the course will enable students to express their ideas verbally and in writing with a high level of proficiency.

Assessment

Paper 1 : Listening, Reading & Writing (2½ hours)
• 3.1.1 Aspects of French-speaking society: current trends
• 3.1.2 Aspects of French-speaking society: current issues
• 3.3 Grammar

Questions will require some translation into French and English, summaries in French of written and spoken passages

Paper 2 : Writing (2 Hours)

• Literary Works: Students will be required to write two essays on each of the set works studied. Set works are selected from a prescribed list. Each essay should be at least 300 words in length with no access to the texts or dictionaries.

Paper 3: Speaking (21-23 Minutes)

• 5 Minutes preparation time
• Discussion of a stimulus card based on the themes from Aspects of French-speaking society (5-6 minutes)
• Presentation (2 minutes) and follow discussion of the Individual Research Project (9-10 minutes)

Expectations

To be accepted onto this course, a minimum of a Grade 6 at GCSE in this subject is required. However, it is highly recommended that students have a Grade 7 or above. The course demands good essay writing skills and a willingness to contribute to discussion in a foreign language. You will be set independent learning tasks every week and will also be expected to carry out your own reading in French. Students will be expected to read independently, eg. a French newspaper to keep abreast of current affairs. They will also be expected to spend time each week learning vocabulary and practising new grammar structures

Examination Board: AQA.   Course Number: 7652