French

French

Exam board: Edexcel
Course code:
9FR0

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/french-2016.html

Entry requirement: Grade 6 in French

 

The ability to speak another language and to understand and empathise with other cultures is a key skill in a modern, globalised society. The new A Levels in Modern Foreign Languages focus on developing students’ ability to communicate and comprehend the foreign language at a high level. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the culture of the language that they are studying and be able to engage with a range of authentic resources, including literature and films.

Subject Content

Theme 1: Les changements dans la société française
Theme 2: La culture politique et artistique dans les pays francophones
Theme 3: L’immigration et la société multiculturelle française
Theme 4: L’Occupation et la Résistance

In addition to the four themes, students study both a novel and a film in the target language.  The film is ‘La haine’ by Mathieu Kassowitz, which revolves around 24 hours in the life of three inner-city youths in Paris.  The novel is ‘Un Sac de Billes’ by Joseph Joffo and is an autobiographical account of a young Jewish boy who has to flee his home to escape Nazi persecution during the occupation of France.

Course Assessment

The A Level qualification is examined across 4 skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing) all of which are examined by means of a terminal exam in Year 13.

  • Paper 1 – Listening, reading and translation (40% of qualification)
  • Paper 2 – Written response to works (novel and film) and translation (30% of qualification)
  • Paper 3 – Speaking (30% of qualification)

Higher Education and Careers

Students who choose this course will be suitably prepared for further study of a language at university and they will achieve a good level of fluency.  They will be able to use the language that they have learnt spontaneously, in a variety of practical situations.  They will have an excellent grounding in an academic discipline which is highly regarded by the very best universities.

Possible careers for linguists include:  translation/interpreting, the Diplomatic Service/the Foreign Office, journalism, marketing/sales, teaching.