French

Course summary

French A level offers the ideal opportunity to develop competence in the language beyond GCSE. The topics visited are geared towards the interests of young adults and include in-depth studies of a wide variety of sources from literature to film, up-to-date news items and textbooks. In the final year of the linear course you will be expected to read more extensively, including literature, and to have developed valuable transferable skills, such as reading, listening and translation. The detailed study of grammar is a significant component. We also have a native speaker, who extends the cultural knowledge of the country in small conversation classes as part of the compulsory syllabus. Practical experience of the language will play a large part, and you will be expected to spend some time in France. The department offers a variety of activities in the Sixth Form: Very well established now is the yearly group exchange for the Lower Sixth with the prestigious “Maison d’Education de la Légion d’Honneur” in Paris. Every term, several departmental events are offered to practise your spoken French. As an extension to our DELF/DALF programme in the Upper Fifth top sets, we offer Sixth Form French pupils the opportunity to sit DELF B2 or DALF C1, if they are high achieving, as an additional qualification. Both qualifications are recognised in French-speaking countries for eg access to work and university placements.