French A Level
SPECIFICATION LINK: 7652
TITLE: AQA Level 3 Advanced GCE in French (601/8727/X)
COURSE INFORMATION
The A Level course for French builds on the the listening, speaking, reading and writing skills developed at GCSE. We explore topics that are more mature and reflective of Francophone society, the cultures and up to date trends of these communities. Work is approached in small groups and students are encouraged to communicate their own ideas in their chosen language, whilst critically examining the points of view of their peers and alternative sources.
In order to build fluency and confidence, students have individual speaking sessions with our experienced Language Assistant. The sessions support preparation for the speaking examination discussion and project as well as spontaneous speech to use in Francophone cultures.
Our materials are taken from radio, Internet, newspapers and magazines, as well as a small amount from fiction, to ensure a broad content. The course studies the novel, Kiff Kiff Demain by Faiza Guene and the film, La Haine by Matthieu Kassovitz in detail to build student’s essay writing skills in French.
The themes studied include the following:
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Aspects of French-speaking society: current trends
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The changing nature of family (La famille en voie de changement) |
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The 'cyber-society' (La « cyber-société ») |
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The place of voluntary work (Le rôle du bénévolat) |
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Aspects of French-speaking society: current issues
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Positive features of a diverse society (Les aspects positifs d'une société diverse) |
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Life for the marginalised (Quelle vie pour les marginalisés?) |
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How criminals are treated (Comment on traite les criminels) |
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Artistic culture in the French-speaking world
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A culture proud of its heritage (Une culture fière de son patrimoine) |
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Contemporary francophone music (La musique francophone contemporaine) |
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Cinema: the 7th art form (Cinéma : le septième art) |
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Aspects of political life in the French-speaking world
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Teenagers, the right to vote and political commitment (Les ados, le droit de vote et l'engagement politique) |
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Demonstrations, strikes – who holds the power? (manifestations, grèves – à qui le pouvoir?) |
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Politics and immigration (La politique et l'immigration) |
ASSESSMENT STRUCTURE
Reading, writing and listening examination: 2 hours 30 minutes • 50% of A Level
Written essay examination: 2 hours • 20% of A Level
Oral exam: 21–23 minutes (including 5 minutes preparation time) • 30% of A Level
ROUTES FOR PROGRESSION
The A Level qualification will prepare students for University and College as well as a wide range of careers. Mastery of a foreign language is required for such areas as translating and interpreting (EEC, UN, BBC, Civil Service), the diplomatic service or European business and marketing. It can be combined with a series of professions such as import and export, travel and tourism, customs and excise, business, advertising, insurance, law, accountancy, banking or journalism. The list is endless; having left the European Community, the ability to communicate effectively with our neighbours is an invaluable asset to employers and jobseekers alike. More and more the ability to operate in a foreign language is a deciding factor in the job market, with only 5% of British people able to hold a conversation in another language.