The syllabus extends naturally the skills developed at GCSE, but with a new focus on social issues and cultural life. Topics studied are similar to those touched on at GCSE but are studied in more depth, moving on from the student’s own world to the wider world of bigger issues and events. Equal weight is given to the skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing which are used to explore and discover contemporary culture and society in a wide range of topics. From French cinema to environmental problems, from teenage stress to animal rights, from racism to cloning – no topic is out of bounds. Course topics may include ‘La famille en voie de changement’ (the changing nature of family), ‘Les aspects positifs d’une societé diverse’ (positive aspects of a diverse society), ‘La musique francophone contemporaine’ (contemporary French music) and ‘Les ados, le droit de vote et l’engagement politique’ (teenagers, the right to vote and political commitment). Students will study one French book in depth and one French film. In addition, an independent research project is undertaken and forms the main part of the speaking test. An additional half hour per week is spent with the French assistant working on speaking skills and wider aspects of the course. Lessons offer a variety of activities including individual and group work, video and audio recordings, and using internet resources – all with the aim of getting students to use French as much as possible. Opportunities exist to access videos, DVDs, CD ROMs, books and magazines for personal study and students are expected to take an interest in all aspects of French language and culture.