A LEVEL FRENCH

A LEVEL FRENCH
What does the course involve?
The course aims to:
• Develop awareness of the culture and society of France and French speaking countries.
• Provide a range of stimulating and absorbing study topics with contemporary, literary and cultural
content
• Extend students intellectually and develop general study skills.
• Provide an ability to communicate readily in French for a variety of purposes
• Prepare students to use their French for the purposes of work, further study, training or leisure.
• Be enjoyable, interesting and relevant to the students' needs.
Activities are varied and include role play, debate, group and individual presentations, plus more formal
work such as text exploitation and translation. There is regular and varied use of ICT.
Resources include textbooks, newspapers, magazines, films, vocabulary books, grammar notebooks, online
resources, films and a whole range of online information and worksheets.
Examination structure:
The course is examined at the end of year 13. Over the two years, students must study either one text and
one film or two texts from a prescribed list.
Paper 1: Listening and reading questions plus translation into English and prose translation English into
French (100 words each) 2hr 30 - 160 marks/40% of A level
Paper 2: Writing – 2hrs - 90 marks/30% of A level
Students write two essays either on one set text and one film or about two different literary
works.
Paper 3: Speaking 21-23 mins + 5 mins prep time – 60 marks/30% of A level
Discussion of one sub theme (5-6 mins; 25 marks) prompted by stimulus card.
Presentation (2 mins; 10 marks) followed by discussion (9-10 mins; 25 marks) of research project.
YEAR 12
Topics include:
• the changing nature of the family (La famille en voie de changement);
• the “Cyber Society” (la «Cyber-société»;
• the place of voluntary work (le rôle du bénévolat): A culture proud of its heritage (une culture
fière de son patrimoine);
• Contemporary francophone music (musique francophone contemporaine);
• Cinema: the 7th Art form (le cinéma: le septième Art).
YEAR 13
Topics include:
• The positive features of a diverse society (les aspects positifs d’une société diverse);
• Life for the marginalised (quelle vie pour les marginalisé?);
• How criminals are treated (comment on traite les criminels);
• Teenagers, the right to vote and political commitment (les ados, le droit de vote et l’engagement
politique);
• Demonstration, strikes – who holds the power? (manifestationes, grèves – à qui le pouvoir?);
• Politics and Immigration (la politique et l’immigration).
Students will be expected to do much personal research and in-depth study but their choice of literacy
work or film. All topics covered in years 12 and 13 will be examined in the final exams.
What are the entry qualifications?
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GCSE B grade.
A willingness to work and study independently and learn vocabulary.
A willingness to join in discussions and be open to ideas.
A keen interest in the French language and world affairs.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: MRS B LUKE, MRS J WOOD OR
MRS K SAUNDERS