French in the Sixth Form

Specification = FRENCH AQA AS 1651 A level 2651

To study a language beyond GCSE is an invaluable asset. You can explore other cultures, find a successful career, work for an international company and benefit from globalisation. Many universities offer degree courses which enable students to combine a modern language with a broad range of other disciplines.

More and more employers are demanding exactly the skills which language degrees develop, such as communication skills, interpersonal and presentation skills, problem solving, team working, organisational skills, independence.
There is a great and increasing demand in the workplace for people who can speak languages other than English for the following reasons: 75% of the world's population does not speak English, other European countries are aiming for skills in three languages, 60% + of British trade is with non-English speaking countries and British business has the poorest language skills in Europe.

Why French?

Art, literature, music, food, wine, fashion and worldly sophistication, the study of French and Francophone cultures is fascinating in itself. But it also gives insight into the values of our own language and culture.

French is also a practical language that will expand your world and your job prospects. Learning French will prepare you for careers in education, international law and business, the arts, international health organisations, anthropology, diplomacy and more. French is spoken not just in France, Canada, Belgium or Switzerland, but also in Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mauritius, Cameroon, Réunion, Sénégal, Mali and in parts of India and Vietnam. In fact, it is the second most widely used language, after English, at the United Nations. French is the first or second language in more than 40 countries, spoken on every continent.

French is the mother tongue of over 100 million people. In many countries, in and outside Europe, it is the only language or the second official language. French is one of the official working languages in dozens of international organisations. British companies and organisations have many links with France. Without any active knowledge of French, it is hard to do business in French-speaking communities. In many careers, the applicants who have a working knowledge of a language of the European Union will attract employers.

The study of French and Francophone texts will train you to think critically, to develop your research skills, and to understand the power of language. You will be considering issues of importance in contemporary society, while at the same time studying in some depth the culture of a French speaking country.

You will be able to:

• Understand language spoken at normal speed by native speakers, drawn from a variety of authentic contexts.
  
• Understand printed and written texts from a variety of sources and in a variety of registers.
  
• Communicate effectively in the spoken language to exchange information, ideas, and opinions (including the possibility of interpreting between English native speakers and speakers of the foreign language).
  
• Develop knowledge of and critical insights into the culture, heritage and contemporary society of France or a French-speaking country.
  
• Communicate effectively in writing and show appropriate and accurate handling of the written language.

Specification

In order to study for the language at this level you should normally have acquired the knowledge, understanding and skills specified for GCSE at Higher Tier. The course encourages maximum use of the foreign language and all four examination units have instructions in French.

You will have access to listening equipment over which you have individual control as well as to satellite television and French websites. The course is topic-based and the progression through AS and A level is assured by having distinct units at each level. Candidates take two units for the Advanced Subsidiary GCE and then take a further two units to achieve the full Advanced GCE award. There is no written coursework.

The AS course will cover:

• Media: TV, advertising and communication technology
• Popular culture: cinema, music and fashion/trends
• Healthy living/lifestyle: sport/exercise, health and well-being and holidays
• Family/relationships: relationships within the family, friendships and marriage/partnerships.

The A2 course will cover:

• Environment: pollution, energy and protecting the planet
• The multi-cultural society: immigration, integration and racism
• Contemporary social issues: wealth and poverty, law and order and the impact of scientific and technological progress
• Cultural topic: the study of a target language speaking region/community or the study of a period of 20th century history from a target language-speaking country/community or the study of a novelist/dramatist/poet from a target language-speaking country/community or the study of a director/architect/musician/painter from a target language-speaking country/ community.

Scheme of Assessment

AS Examinations

Unit 1 – FREN1 - Listening, Reading and Writing

70% of AS, 35% of A Level
2 hour written examination
110 marks

Unit 2 – FRE2T/V - Speaking Test

30% of AS, 15% of A Level
35 minutes speaking test (including 20 minutes preparation)
50 marks

A2 Examinations

Unit 3 – FREN3 - Listening, Reading and Writing

35% of A Level
2 hours 30 minutes written examination
110 marks

Unit 4 – FRE4T/V - Speaking Test

15% of A Level
35 minutes speaking test (including 20 minutes preparation)
50 marks