By choosing to study French, students embrace variety and adventure. Whilst refining students’ skills in spoken and written French, the course also samples from a vast array of other disciplines, including sociology, literature, film studies, linguistics, history, music, philosophy, and politics. Students will also undertake a research project, over which they have complete freedom of choice. French A Level is not just about “holiday French” (though it’s great for that too); it is about exploring all the many facets of the French-speaking world, from France to North Africa and beyond. A glorious blend of academic and practical skills, French A Level is for the curious, the ambitious, and the open-minded. The following 12 topics (categorized into 4 broader areas) will be studied as we work on the development of speaking, listening, reading, writing, and translation skills. Social issues: • The changing nature of the family • The ‘cyber-society’ • The place of voluntary work Social trends: • Positive features of a diverse society • Life for the marginalized • How criminals are treated Artistic culture in the French-speaking world: • A culture proud of its heritage • Contemporary francophone music • Cinema: the ‘7th art form’ • Aspects of political life in the French-speaking world: Teenagers, the right to vote and political commitment • Demonstrations, strikes – who holds the power? • Politics and immigration • Literature and Film The main written element of the French A Level is an essay paper in which students are assessed on their critical responses to a film and a novel that they have studied in depth. We will be studying: Film: La Haine (1995) Matthieu Kassowitz’s La Haine is an intense, violent drama, following three young men in a Parisian ghetto the day after chaotic riots break out. It is a film about friends living in a broken society that tackles issues of racism, revenge, and police brutality head-on. Novel: Sac de Billes by Joseph Joffo Sac de Billes is an engaging autobiographical novel by Joseph Joffo. It is set in occupied France during the Second World War and narrates the story of two young Jewish brothers who are sent by their parents to the “free zone”. We learn of their extraordinary courage, intelligence, and ingenuity as they aim to escape their occupiers and be reunited with their families. A truly inspiring novel which we can all take something from. Individual research project With support and guidance from their teacher, students select and research a topic of their choice, which can be anything relating to France or a French-speaking country. They are then assessed on their project as part of their speaking examination. This is a real opportunity for students to become experts in a topic that excites them and gets them thinking.
Students wanting to study at EHC are required to achieve 5 or more standard GCSE passes or higher (grade 4 or higher) including GCSE Maths and either English Language or English Literature at a grade 4 or above. Achieving a grade 6 at GCSE French is desirable.
Paper 1 – Listening reading and writing Exam: 2 hours and 30 minutes. 100 marks 50% of A Level. Paper 2 – Writing Written exam: 2 hours. 80 marks. 20% of A Level. Paper 3 – Speaking Speaking exam: 21-23 minutes in length, based on the research project and a discussion of one of the social, political, and cultural topics. 60 marks. 30% of A Level.
About Education Provider
| Region | Yorkshire and the Humber |
| Local Authority | Leeds |
| Ofsted Rating | Outstanding |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| Address | Clifford Moor Road, Boston Spa, Wetherby, LS23 6RW |
By choosing to study French, students embrace variety and adventure. Whilst refining students’ skills in spoken and written French, the course also samples from a vast array of other disciplines, including sociology, literature, film studies, linguistics, history, music, philosophy, and politics. Students will also undertake a research project, over which they have complete freedom of choice. French A Level is not just about “holiday French” (though it’s great for that too); it is about exploring all the many facets of the French-speaking world, from France to North Africa and beyond. A glorious blend of academic and practical skills, French A Level is for the curious, the ambitious, and the open-minded. The following 12 topics (categorized into 4 broader areas) will be studied as we work on the development of speaking, listening, reading, writing, and translation skills. Social issues: • The changing nature of the family • The ‘cyber-society’ • The place of voluntary work Social trends: • Positive features of a diverse society • Life for the marginalized • How criminals are treated Artistic culture in the French-speaking world: • A culture proud of its heritage • Contemporary francophone music • Cinema: the ‘7th art form’ • Aspects of political life in the French-speaking world: Teenagers, the right to vote and political commitment • Demonstrations, strikes – who holds the power? • Politics and immigration • Literature and Film The main written element of the French A Level is an essay paper in which students are assessed on their critical responses to a film and a novel that they have studied in depth. We will be studying: Film: La Haine (1995) Matthieu Kassowitz’s La Haine is an intense, violent drama, following three young men in a Parisian ghetto the day after chaotic riots break out. It is a film about friends living in a broken society that tackles issues of racism, revenge, and police brutality head-on. Novel: Sac de Billes by Joseph Joffo Sac de Billes is an engaging autobiographical novel by Joseph Joffo. It is set in occupied France during the Second World War and narrates the story of two young Jewish brothers who are sent by their parents to the “free zone”. We learn of their extraordinary courage, intelligence, and ingenuity as they aim to escape their occupiers and be reunited with their families. A truly inspiring novel which we can all take something from. Individual research project With support and guidance from their teacher, students select and research a topic of their choice, which can be anything relating to France or a French-speaking country. They are then assessed on their project as part of their speaking examination. This is a real opportunity for students to become experts in a topic that excites them and gets them thinking.
Students wanting to study at EHC are required to achieve 5 or more standard GCSE passes or higher (grade 4 or higher) including GCSE Maths and either English Language or English Literature at a grade 4 or above. Achieving a grade 6 at GCSE French is desirable.
Paper 1 – Listening reading and writing Exam: 2 hours and 30 minutes. 100 marks 50% of A Level. Paper 2 – Writing Written exam: 2 hours. 80 marks. 20% of A Level. Paper 3 – Speaking Speaking exam: 21-23 minutes in length, based on the research project and a discussion of one of the social, political, and cultural topics. 60 marks. 30% of A Level.