Edexcel A Level
Why study French?
French A Level has a great deal to offer in terms of personal development:
- Immense satisfaction in gaining fluency in another language
- The ability to travel abroad with ease and to experience other cultures at a much deeper level
- Greater independence, broader horizons
- Deeper understanding of your own language, and the ability to learn additional languages more quickly
- Improved analytical skills, memory skills, ability to hypothesize, problem-solving ability and verbal dexterity (https:/www.actfl.org/assessment-research-and-development/what-the-research-shows)
French A Level can also open doors for you in your career and further study:
- Modern technology means that barriers between countries are breaking down, and competence in French A Level is becoming more attractive than ever to employers in ALL sectors. It can give you the edge over other candidates (in the same way as having good IT skills can). The ability to communicate in more than one language can enable you to market yourself internationally.
- Some universities are now actively encouraging students of STEM subjects to continue with language learning before and during their undergraduate course.
- Employers value linguists because they have a range of transferable skills and have first-hand experience of other cultures.
- French A level can help you towards careers in many areas including law, education, journalism, travel and tourism, accountancy, marketing, management consultancy, international press agencies, the media, retail management, advertising, the Foreign Office and the performing arts.
- A language A level can open up the possibility of being offered work experience or a study placement abroad, whatever you decide to study.
What will I study?
French culture, social issues and current affairs in France as well as studying a book (No et Moi) and a film (La Haine) in detail. For the speaking exam you will also prepare an Individual Research Project on a topic of your choice linked to France or another French-speaking country. Your understanding of the language and ability to use it accurately and persuasively will grow rapidly.
How will I study?
Our A level groups tend to be small so you will have plenty of individual attention. You will develop skills such as debating, giving presentations, essay-writing, translating, analysing text, and working collaboratively. We use a variety of media (press articles, literature, television, film, songs), and the course includes an excellent online resource bank which is used in school and at home.
You will be given dedicated time with the French Assistant to improve your speaking and listening skills. We have very strong links with our partner school in France (Grenoble) and encourage A Level students to participate in our annual French Exchange. Our students take part in an annual French Literature Masterclass at Oxford University and we also organise trips to the cinema and theatre as well as the Alliance Française in Oxford and the Institut Français in South Kensington for special events.
How will my work be assessed?
Assessment is through examinations at A Level. We follow the Edexcel syllabus and there are 3 papers:
Unit 1 – Listening, Reading and Translation (40%)
Unit 2 – Written Response to Works and Translation (30%)
Unit 3 – Speaking (30%)
What are the entry requirements?
French GCSE Grade 6 or above