French

Do I have the necessary skills?

You will need to have achieved at least a Grade B in GCSE French. You will need to feel confident in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking skills. You must also have

an interest in French culture.

Who is this course suitable for?

The course is ideal if you are interested in languages and communication, and you enjoy learning about other cultures and ways of life.  Whether you want to use language for work, further study, or leisure the course will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge.

What will I learn on this Advanced GCE course?

The course will enable you to communicate at a higher level in French.  You will develop your knowledge and understanding of contemporary French culture.

The following topics are covered during the AS course;

Leisure and Lifestyles

Travel and Tourism
Sport
Hobbies
Entertainment
Customs
Traditions
Healthy Living – health and nutrition diet and exercise
Unhealthy Living – drugs, aids, smoking, alcohol

The Individual and Society

Relationships and Responsibilities
Gender Issues
Youth Culture – values, peer groups, fashions and trends
Education
Vocational Training
Future Careers

The following topics are covered during the A2 course;

A2 Topics

  • 1. Environmental Issues
  • Technology
  • Pollution and Global warming
  • Energy and nuclear energy
  • Renewable energies and conservation
  • 2. Social and Political Issues
  • The role of the media
  • Racism and immigration
  • Social exclusion and integration
  • Terrorism
  • 3. Guided Studies Options
  • The World of Cinema
  • The World of Literature
  • The Regions of France

How is it examined?

Two AS units are taken at the end of the Lower Sixth followed by two A2 units at the end of the Upper Sixth.

AS Unit 1: Oral (15 minutes)
You will have 15 minutes to prepare a verbal or visual ‘stimulus’ card with starter questions on it.  You will be asked the questions on the card plus further questions on the same topic (8 minutes).  This will be followed by 7 minutes of conversation where you will discuss your interests, your studies and any plans and/or aspirations for the future.

AS Unit 2: Listening, Reading and Writing (2½ hours)
This unit is based on all the AS topics.  You will have to answer comprehension questions on written and spoken passages and translate from French into English.  You will also have to write an essay of 200-250 words based on one of the AS topics.

A2 Unit 3: Oral (20 minutes)
You will have 15 minutes to prepare a short written ‘stimulus’ card.  You will be asked questions on the subject matter and will be required to state your views (6 minutes).  This is followed by a 4 minute oral exposé on a topic of your choice taken from the Guided Studies options. You will then spend 10 minutes discussing the topic and related issues.

A2 Unit 4: Listening, Reading and Writing (3 hours)
This unit is based on all the A2 topics.  You will have to answer comprehension questions on written and spoken passages and translate from English into French.  You will also have to write an essay of 400 words based on one area of the Guided Studies options.

What else does the department offer for Sixth Form?

  • Lower Sixth exchange visit to Senlis, near Paris
  • Theatre and cinema trips
  • Sixth form language conferences

For further details, please contact:  Mrs Sophie de Castro, Head of French.