French

The study of French at A Level is not purely a study of the language but also of its culture.  It is a subject that can be combined with both Arts and Sciences to provide both breadth and depth to an A Level candidate’s education.

AS  -  The AS course consists of three Units

Unit 1 – Listening and Writing Paper (1hr)

Unit 2 – Reading and Writing Paper (2hrs)

Unit 3 – Oral - a prepared topic (10-12 minutes)

Three General Topic areas will be covered:

• Day-to-day matters (food, diet, health; transport, travel, tourism; current affairs and the media)
• Society (relationships, family, youth concerns; social issues; leisure and the arts)
• The working world (education, training and employment; business and industry, information technology)

A2  -  The A2 course consists of three further Units

Unit 4 – Oral discussion of contemporary issues or interpreting (15 minutes)

Unit 5 – Topics & Texts - currently one text and a study of the wartime occupation of France or coursework (two pieces of 450 and 900 words).

Unit 6 – Combination of Reading, Writing and Listening

For all the listening elements of the examination candidates have control of an individual tape.

Two further General Topic Areas are studied at this level

• The environment and citizenship (energy and pollution; politics and citizenship; campaigning organisations and charities)
• The international context (customs, traditions, beliefs; the European Union; world-wide problems)

General Comment

As with the GCSE, French is the main language of communication in the examination and thus teaching is also conducted as far as possible in the target language.  We encourage as much exposure to the language and expect pupils to spend as much time as possible in France (or other French speaking countries) perhaps working or on an exchange. A week long language study trip to France is offered to all pupils wishing to improve further their language skills.

The use of language in careers is not restricted solely to teaching, translating and interpreting.  Language qualifications can lead to jobs in a number of other areas including business, law and industry.  The European Union plays an ever more important role in our society and naturally many doors are open for French linguists.  All this is not to ignore the many opportunities open to University students to study their chosen speciality abroad, whether it be medicine or engineering, where the ability to speak the target language will be vital and will greatly enhance the experience.

R.S.

English Literature

History

Geography

Economics

Business Studies

Mathematics

Physics

Chemistry

Biology

Latin

Classics

French

German

Art and Design

Design and Technology

Music and Music Technology

I.C.T.

PE and Sports Studies

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