french
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Students choose A Level French because they have a love of the language and a strong interest in the culture and society of French-speaking countries.
It appeals to students who want to learn to communicate fluently in French by exploring increasingly sophisticated topics of current and cultural interest.
Mr Everett
Head of French
veverett@ng6.unity-ed.uk
“I chose to study French because my ambition is to study Primary Education at university and this requires a traditional subject at A Level. I decided to take French as my traditional subject as I love languages and studied two at GCSE. I’m very pleased I chose French because it has been very enjoyable and I feel like my skills are getting stronger all the time. The teachers are very nice and helpful and have helped build my confidence in the subject. I like that the class size is small as it feels as though I can have more one-to-one time and therefore get more out of the lesson. This year the class combined both Year 12 and Year 13 which at first was quite daunting. However, it turned out to be really helpful as you can learn from the Year 13s – this I found very beneficial in Year 12. They also know more about the course and so their advice and guidance was very reassuring. If I had the chance, I would revisit grammar in the workbook throughout the year to keep perfecting it, in turn making the subject a little easier. I would also keep going over unit vocabulary so that revision is easier for exams.” (Courtney)
The Course
We understand the starting point of post-GCSE students and we take you step by step to a much higher level. Progress is very rapid, both in terms of linguistic and cognitive challenge, so this is an ideal course for talented linguists who want to think and express themselves.
Language skills are much in demand with employers and universities alike. The Russell Group of universities emphasise that a language A Level is a ‘facilitating subject’ which will be well regarded for almost any university course. Having a language is often the key to getting a foot in the door for that all-important first job, in any competitive career.
We follow the AQA specification.
We have developed a course which interlinks all the key elements throughout the two years. This means that you will learn vocabulary and grammar thoroughly to match the topic areas you are tackling. In addition, elements such as independent research, cultural knowledge and literary texts will be woven into every topic area. We will balance the focus on preparing you for the exam, with a strong emphasis on developing your ability to speak fluently and naturally.
Skills
The topics you will study will develop your understanding of current social, political and artistic trends in France and Francophone countries. This will include the study of books and films in French. We will equip you with the grammatical knowledge and vocabulary you need and build your ability to express yourself with increasing spontaneity and sophistication.
Broadening your Horizons
Many of our students study languages at university, either as a main subject or alongside other disciplines. Studying A Level languages equips you to work and travel abroad and some students have gone on to start new language, such as Arabic. Others have spent time working or studying in France, Spain and Latin America. According to the Higher Education Careers Service annual report, language graduates are more likely to be working abroad that graduates of other disciplines and can have better employment prospects overall.
Assessment
Paper 1: Listening, reading, translation.
Paper 2: Written essays on the film and book/s you have studied.
Paper 3: Speaking exam on elements of culture, art or society in the French-speaking world, including an Extended Research Project.
Entry Requirements
Minimum 65444 including 6 in French and 5 in English GCSE.
