French

Course summary

A Level French is a challenging yet rewarding course, which accommodates the linguistic level of students newly qualified in GCSE French. Through the study of A-Level French, we hope you will develop a lasting appreciation of the language and the ability to communicate readily in French for a variety of purposes. We aim to increase your knowledge of French-speaking cultures and help you acquire valuable skills for foreign travel, further education and employment. A commitment to listening to, reading and speaking as much French as possible is very helpful as we expect you to fully embrace independent study to truly enhance your linguistic progression. Above all, you need to have enthusiasm for the language and the countries where the language is spoken. You should be willing to consider participating in a study visit to develop your fluency. The course covers current trends in French-speaking society, as well as cultural and political aspects of countries where French is spoken. In Year 12, these specifically include: • The changing nature of family (La famille en voie de changement) • The ‘cyber-society’ (La « cyber-société ») • The place of voluntary work (Le rôle du bénévolat) • A culture proud of its heritage (Une culture fière de son patrimoine) • Contemporary francophone music (La musique francophone contemporaine) • Cinema: the 7th art form (Cinéma: le septième art) In Year 13, these specifically include: • Positive features of a diverse society (Les aspects positifs d’une société diverse) • Life for the marginalised (Quelle vie pour les marginalisés?) • How criminals are treated (Comment on traite les criminels) • Teenagers, the right to vote and political commitment (Les ados, le droit de vote et l’engagement politique) • Demonstrations, strikes - who holds the power? (Manifestations, grèves - à qui le pouvoir?) • Politics and immigration (La politique et l’immigration) There is also a study of a literary text, currently L’étranger by Albert Camus and a film, currently ‘La Haine’ by Mathieu Kassovitz which are examined in the essay Paper 2.