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French

Languages are a good foundation subject for many degree courses across a wide range of subjects including Law, Business Studies, Economics, Social Policy, Philosophy, Social Sciences and Educational Studies. A languages degree is good preparation for a wide range of occupations; for example, journalism, marketing, personnel, public service, law, advertising, insurance or teaching.

All languages offer a work experience visit in both Y12 and Y13, a weekly appointment with the foreign language assistant, opportunities to support younger students through in class support, a cinema club, a book club and access to authentic materials.

Entry Requirements

GCSE Grade 6 in French.

Qualities Required

A genuine love of languages, an enquiring mind, good time management, hard work and resilience.

Links with Other Subjects

Languages combine well with any subject, but especially English, Economics, Geography, Politics, Sociology and History. They also make an excellent contrast with Mathematics and Science based subjects.

Exam Board

AQA

Method of Assessment
  Objective Weighting (A Level) Weighting (AS)
A01 Understand and respond: in speech to spoken language including face-to-face interaction and in writing to spoken language drawn from a variety of sources. 20% 20%
A02 Understand and respond: in speech to written language drawn from a variety of sources and in writing to written language drawn from a variety of sources 30% 30%
A03 Manipulate the language accurately, in spoken and written forms, using a range of  structure. 30% 30%
A04 Show knowledge and understanding of, and respond critically to, different aspects of the culture and society of countries/communities where the language is spoken. N/A N/A
A04 (A Level) Show knowledge and understanding of, and respond critically and analytically to, different aspects of the culture and society of countries/communities where the language is spoken. 20% N/A
What will I Study?

Social Issues and Trends - Aspects of Francophone Society: Current trends -

  • The changing nature of family
  • The 'cyber-society'
  • The place of voluntary work
  • Positive features of a diverse society
  • Life for the marginalised
  • How criminals are treated.

Political and artistic Culture:

  • A culture proud of its heritage
  • Contemporary francophone music
  • Cinema: the 7th art form
  • Teenagers, the right to vote and political commitment
  • Demonstrations, strikes – who holds the power? 
  • Politics and immigration.

Grammar:

  • Key verb tenses, moods and voices
  • Nouns, articles and gender
  • Adjectives and adverbs
  • Prepositions
  • Negation 
  • Conjunctions and discourse markers
  • Questions, quantifiers and intensifiers.

Works: Literary texts and films:

  • Kiffe Kiffe Demain - Faiza Guene
  • La Haine - Mathieu Kassovtiz