Skip to content ↓

French

French

Edexcel

Year 12

Year 13

Studying French at A-level gives you not only the opportunity to deepen your understanding of the language and your confidence using French while travelling globally. It also opens many opportunities in the world of work and allows students to delve into French culture and history.

This is a 2-year linear course assessed at the end of Year 13.

Theme 1: Changes in French society

We consider the changing nature of families in France, we learn about the French education system, and we look at issues in the world of work such as strikes and equality.

Theme 2: Political and artistic culture in French-speaking countries

In this theme, we look at music of the French-speaking world. We discuss the media, including the challenges it faces and the new technology, and we find out about festivals and traditions in countries where French is spoken.

Theme 3: Immigration and French multicultural society

We consider the positive impact that immigration has had on France, from an economic and cultural perspective, whilst also looking at the challenges around immigration and integration. Students also find out about the Far Right in France and public opinion.

Theme 4: Occupation & Resistance

We look at life under Nazi occupation and collaboration, investigate the Vichy regime and the role of Pétain, and discover the various elements of the French Resistance.

Cultural topics: We study the novel Un sac de billes by Joseph Joffo and the film Intouchables.

Assessment

Paper 1: (1 hour 50 minutes)

Listening, reading and translation into English (40%)

Paper 2: (2 hours 40 minutes) (30%) Writing

  1. Translation into French
  2. Essay on ‘Un sac de billes’ by Joseph Joffo
  3. Essay on the film ‘Intouchables’

Paper 3: Speaking Test (21-23 minutes) (30%)

Task 1: Students discuss one theme from the four listed    

              above.

Task 2: Students present and discuss a topic they have independently researched.

Links Well With: 

French links well with any A Level as it is a subject that gives you skills to operate in any field, including Maths and Science.  From a linguistic perspective, it links well with English and Spanish. However, languages also provide an insight into another culture and society; the course content links well to subjects such as Art, Geography, History, Music, Philosophy and Ethics and Sociology.

Progression Routes:                        

Students can go on to study French at university with the focus on a range of specialisms.  Many universities also offer courses where you can study a language as an additional unit or module to your main subject and even offer study or work placements abroad. Speaking a language opens the door to the whole spectrum of employment possibilities.

Entry Requirements:   

GCSE Grade 6 French.