French in the Sixth Form

Specification = FRENCH OCR AS 3861 A level 7861

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 and independence.
There is an 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?

Without any active knowledge of French, it is hard to do business in French-speaking communities. French is the mother tongue of over 100 million people. In many countries, in and outside Europe, French 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 and in many careers, the applicants who have a working knowledge of a language of the European Union will attract employers.

You will be expected to:

You will be expected 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,
• 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,
• have a stay in France or in a French speaking country in order to improve your language skills.

Specification

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 the examination units have instructions in French.

You will have access to press articles and listening equipment over which you have individual control as well as French satellite TV channels and French web sites. The course is topic-based and the progression through AS and A level is assured by having distinct units at each level.

Candidates take three units for the Advanced Subsidiary GCE and then take a further three units to achieve the full Advanced GCE award.

Scheme of Assessment

The three AS papers are:

• Speaking ( externally marked )
• Listening, reading, writing
• Reading, writing

The three A2 Papers are:

• Speaking, reading ( externally marked )
• Listening, reading, writing
• Culture and Society ( coursework)

You will be asked to choose topics in which you are personally interested as a focus for your oral presentation and for the writen coursework.