Exam Board: AQA
Aims
The aims of the course are as follows:
- Develop and build on the skills acquired at GCSE level.
- Enhance employment prospects.
- Facilitate foreign travel.
- Provide an insight into another culture and society.
- Provide students with a sound basis for further study.
Entry Requirements
Students should have Grade 5 or higher in GCSE French, or be a native speaker.
Course Structure
Students study technological and social change, looking at diversity and the benefits it brings. They will study highlights of French-speaking artistic culture, including francophone music and cinema and learn about political engagement and who wields political power in the French-speaking world.
Students also explore the influence of the past on present-day French-speaking communities. Throughout their studies, they will learn the language in the context of French-speaking countries and the issues and influences which have shaped them. Students will study texts and film and have the opportunity to carry out independent research on an area of their choice.
Assessment
- Paper 1 – Listening, reading and writing. Written exam lasting 2.5 hours. 50% of A Level.
- Paper 2 – Written response to works and translation. Written exam lasting 2 hours. 20% of A Level.
- Paper 3 – Speaking. Oral exam lasting 21-23 minutes. 30% of A Level.
Core Text
AQA A Level French (includes AS) by Casimir d’Angelo, Jean-Claude Gilles and Rod Hares.
Careers and Opportunities
Some modern language graduates work on a self-employed basis as interpreters or translators. However, many others choose careers not directly related to their subject, but where there is an opportunity to use their language skills, for example, working for companies who trade or offer services internationally or to non-English speaking customers and suppliers. This means that language graduates work for a huge variety of employers and sectors, including: teaching and education; government and public administration; business services; museums and libraries; tourism; media and the Internet; science, engineering and technology; transport and logistics; and charity and voluntary work.
