French
STATEMENT OF INTENT FOR FRENCH
Language students at Charters School will be equipped with the skills necessary to interact in everyday situations in French and Spanish-speaking countries. They will be confident communicators, capable of articulating ideas, desires and needs in various contexts. They will appreciate the value of language-learning and understand more about the cultures of the languages studied. This understanding will help them develop a greater sense of their own identity and appreciate the values and diversity of local and global communities. Through language-learning, they will develop a range of soft skills, including independence, resilience, research and teamwork.
This means:
- They will recognise that language-learning is a cumulative process which takes consistent effort and intellectual stamina
- They will experience foreign cultures through exposure to the arts, entertainment, food and current affairs
- They will have the opportunity to visit France and Spain with Charters
- They will learn and use vocabulary and grammar effectively and independently, to communicate successfully
- They will participate fully in pair and group work to support and learn from others.
SUMMARY OF CURRICULUM
A Level French is a vibrant course that combines well with many other subjects, leading to a wide range of opportunities at university and in the world of work.
Students learn to communicate at a high level in French, through the study of topical issues and cultural matters.
Authentic materials are drawn from many sources, including the French media.
A significant amount of grammar is taught in the first term to bridge the gap between GCSE and A Level.
Students take responsibility for their own learning and developing skills to a high level.
Speaking skills are developed through one-to-one/two sessions with the French FLA.
Students also have the opportunity for a week’s work experience in France during the Y12 work experience week.
COURSE DETAILS
Paper 1: Listening, reading and translation. Paper 1 is based on four themes: the evolution of French society; political and artistic culture of the French-speaking world; immigration and multicultural society in France; France under occupation in World War II.
Paper 2: written response to works and translation.
Students study a literary text (No et Moi) and a film (Intouchables).
Paper 3: Speaking
Paper 3 is based on four themes: the evolution of French society; political and artistic culture of the French-speaking world; immigration and multicultural society in France; France under occupation in World War II. There is also an independent research project.
KEY STAGE 5 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
The minimum entry requirements for Charters Sixth Form can be viewed here
EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL
BE INSPIRED
Take a look around the links below to find our where this exciting subject could lead.
Complementary Subjects
A Level French is a vibrant course that attracts students with a wide range of interests. Therefore, it combines well with many other subjects on the curriculum.
The exposure to the media, literature and cinema of the French-speaking world develops students’ analytical skills which complements the skills gained through the study of English Literature, Film and Media. Those with a scientific or mathematical mind often appreciate the logic of the grammar. The study of French history, politics and society greatly interests Historians, Sociologists and Psychologists.
Students develop a range of transferable skills including presentation and debating, research, analysis, problem solving, teamwork and communication. The study of languages is highly regarded by top academic universities, including Oxbridge, and can also work well as a third subject for prospective students of Medicine.
Future Opportunities
By studying a foreign language at A Level, students add some highly desirable skills to their set. These include enhanced problem-solving skills, improved verbal abilities, enhanced memory, flexible and creative thinking, and greater cultural awareness. All of which are highly attractive to potential employers, especially when combined with a sound command of an ever-growing world language. In addition, students of French are equally at ease working independently or in a team, according to the demands of the task in hand.
By choosing to study French at university, students open up a range of professional and personal possibilities, including living and working abroad. It can lead to a wide variety of career paths, which may include the Media, Law, Politics, Civil Service, Marketing and Public Relations. At degree level, French is offered in combination with a vast number of other subjects, such as International Management, Accounting, Film Studies, Business, Global Communications, and Film and Television, to name but a few. The study of French at A Level does not close the door to Medicine or Law at university.
Be Inspired by Exploring Further
WEBSITES
French website featuring articles and videos from a wide range of topics, ranging from current affairs to quirky facts and questions.
Articles and resources which link very closely to the topics covered at A Level.
FILM
The French film 'Intouchables' tells the true story of a quadriplegic aristocrat whose world is turned upside down when he hires a young, good-humored ex-con as his caretaker.
Or, why not create a playlist of French-language songs on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, etc?
