French – A Level

Special Entry Requirements

In addition to the A Level entry requirements, you will need grade 5 in both GCSE French and GCSE English Language.

Please let us know if you do not have a GCSE qualification and want to tell us about your individual situation. If you sat your GCSE in French early, you should contact us for a ‘refresher’ pack.

Subject Intent

Our Modern Foreign Language courses aim to transform our students from citizens of Scarborough to citizens of the world. We will liberate them from insularity and expose them to other cultures, broadening their horizons and equipping them with the language skills to enable them to study or work overseas. Our MFL courses will give students the opportunity to:

develop their writing, reading, speaking and listening skills in the target language
learn about the political, historical and social background of the country whose language they are studying
experience another culture, its art, literature, music and film
develop a wide vocabulary in the target language and with it an understanding of etymology and how connections can be made with our own language
endeavour to achieve precision and accuracy in everything they do
work collaboratively and independently on projects
develop the ability to forensically analyse language and meaning
develop resilience as they achieve mastery in something that is challenging and requires real expertise

Course Introduction

It is becoming increasingly important to understand as well as to speak and write confidently in a second language and there are many career opportunities open to those who wish to combine a study of a foreign language alongside another subject. There is no doubt that the ability to communicate well in a foreign language increases self-confidence. Also, it is very impressive, and it unlocks doors to a world of new experiences and makes you very desirable as a possible employee.

Preparing for A Level French

We have created a transition pack to show you the kind of work that you will be doing at level 3 and to help you prepare for September.

French A Level Transition Pack

Other good resources include:

Languages online - work on both grammar and AS sections
Apprendre le francais - for Listening and Reading practice. Recommended level is A1/A2. Do the interactive activities and also make note of any new words/expressions to learn in a dedicated note book.

If you have any questions about the course, please email admissions@s6f.org.uk

Course Modules

First Year

The course in the Lower Sixth covers the themes of: family; education;the world of work; music;media and festivals in the context of France and other countries where French is spoken. This course builds on those topics covered at GCSE level and will improve your reading and listening with a greater understanding of grammar. Also, you will be able to write and speak French with much more confidence.

Second Year

The Upper Sixth continues to develop your skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing through the wider social and historical topics of: politics; immigration; German occupation and French Resistance during WWII. In addition, you will examine the works of a famous dramatist or author and of a film director through the medium of French in your Cultural Studies as well developing researching skills for your Independent Research Project.

General information

Throughout both years you will learn by using the Internet, our Languages ICT suite, through group and individual listening activities, role play, memorising, tasks to develop your reading skills and, especially, through conversation in a small group with a native French speaker. You will read and listen to a variety of texts, including stories, magazines, newspaper articles, podcasts and YouTube and have opportunities to take part in an annual cultural trip to Paris. Creative work may include acting, writing letters or stories and making recordings. Our most successful students enjoy listening to and reading French in their own time.

Please note that the Syllabus and Examination Board differ for French and Spanish and some topics do overlap. We follow the EDEXCEL specification for French and there is no coursework.

Assessment

In the Lower Sixth, there is a speaking exam, a listening/reading/writing exam, and an essay writing exam. You have individual control of an MP3 player. The speaking test consists of discussing issues given on a card, which develops into an open-ended conversation based on the topics covered in the course.

In the Upper Sixth the same skills are assessed through three exams, and you will be questioned on your Cultural Topics and asked to give and defend your point of view. Regular monitoring of your work keeps you informed with how you are doing. You will learn in a friendly and relaxed, yet challenging atmosphere and we help you to do your best.