A Level French

What is it?

Updated in 2016, this new A level French course will broaden and deepen your knowledge of the French language. It is an exciting chance to develop a wide range of skills through a broad range of specialised and detailed insights into the culture, society and history of both modern France and the wider French-speaking world.

Why study this subject at Blackpool Sixth?

Studying A Level French at Blackpool Sixth will further develop and improve your knowledge of the French language whilst you develop your collaborative and independent learning skills. Innovative teaching methods, with authentic resources, will fully immerse you in the French language and its rich culture. Passionate teaching will ensure an inspiring and engaging experience.

What skills will I develop?

• Grammatical accuracy
• Problem-solving skills
• Memory boosting skills
• Enhanced listening, analytical and evaluative skills
• Enhanced communication skills and confidence in sharing your ideas and opinions
• Understanding of and empathy for others

How will I be taught?

• Using both collaborative and independent learning
• In a supportive learning environment
• Using a wide variety of teaching methods to suit all learning styles

How will I be assessed?

Paper 1: Reading, listening and translation 50%

Paper 2: Writing 20%

Paper 3: Oral 30% (including an Individual Research Project)

Teacher expertise

Your French teacher has lived, worked and studied in France and also has experience of working in export and import businesses in the UK. A keen linguist, she approaches the subject in an enthusiastic, empathetic and supportive way. A range of authentic and up-to-date materials, together with Additional Support Tutorials and regular opportunities for independent research provide full immersion in the subject.

Field trips, projects and employability opportunities

French students visited a local university last year to gain an insight into studying French beyond A-Level and to take advantage of a day of language based input provided by university lecturers. The AQA A-Level French course includes an Individual Research Project (IRP) which enables students to investigate an area of French /French-speaking culture or history of personal interest to them and to develop their independent study skills.

Learning French can open up a host of UK and international study and employment opportunities. The ability to communicate in a second language and the confidence and communication skills that this brings make language students highly employable.

Where does it lead?

Many students go on to study for a joint or combined honours degree in French either with another foreign language or with subjects such as English, History, Law, Economics or Mathematics. Degree courses often incorporate a year abroad working or studying and additionally some students spend time travelling independently. Others enter employment with training or an apprenticeship on completion of their A-Level study.

Equipment

• A copy of the Hodder AQA A-Level French Revision and Practice Workbooks 1 and 2.
• Access to Kerboodle, the French A-Level online course  (£20 for the two years).
• We are on the Technology for Learning scheme, so you will need to have access to a device to enable you to work collaboratively in class and access a range of digital resources.
• A copy of the course literary text, currently Un Sac de Billes .

Examination board

AQA