French
GCE Advanced Level AS/A2
Course Content
"People who have learned languages are articulate, flexible and adaptable. Employers value their communication skills very highly and, as a result, languages graduates in the UK have the lowest unemployment rate other than medicine and education." (Guardian Education)
There's never been a better time to study French!
AS
AS Level develops listening, reading and writing skills covered at GCSE and enriches your knowledge of French grammar and vocabulary. There is also one lesson a week with the Assistant (a native French speaker) - an excellent opportunity to improve your spoken French!
Topics
a) Leisure & Lifestyles, including travel & tourism, sport, hobbies, entertainment, customs & traditions, healthy lifestyles, unhealthy living
b) Individual & Society, including relationships and responsibilities, gender issues, youth culture (values, peer groups, fashion), education, vocational training and careers
All of this is tested by the following examinations:
Unit 1: Oral exam featuring a general and topic - based conversation - 15mins (40% of AS)
Unit 2: Listening, reading & writing- 2 ˝ hours (60% of AS)
A2
This course builds all that we have covered in the AS course and allows students to progress to a full A level in the language.
In Year 2, students look at aspects of French culture and society in more depth. We also study French films in some detail and students can choose to study French literature if they wish. A more complex level of language is needed for the listening, reading & writing of Unit 4, and for the Unit 3 oral you will research, present and discuss either a region of France, a French film or French novel.
Topics
a)Environmental Issues, including technology, pollution, global warming, transport, energy, nuclear energy, renewable energies, conservation, recycling, sustainability.
b) Social & Political Issues, including the role of the media, racism, immigration, social exclusion and integration, terrorism, the world of work (employment, commerce, globalization etc).
c) Guided Studies – students study the French film ‘La Haine’ looking at plot, themes and characters.
All of this is tested in the following examinations:
Unit 3: Oral exam- 20mins (40% of A2)
1) Structured discussion on one topic covered in language lessons
2) Oral presentation and discussion on a French film/book/region of your choice
Unit 4: Language exam – 3 hours (60% of A2)
Listening, Reading & Translation, Writing about a French film ('La Haine')
During the course students will explore the culture and way of life of France and French speaking countries, enhanced by the very popular yearly visit to Lille (work experience) or Paris (homestay with a French family). We also arrange visits to outside events for sixth formers, such as revision days, masterclass study days, films and theatre productions.
How it is Taught
A thematic approach is taken to language teaching in covering the above topics. Much of the teaching is done in French. We focus on improving skills, vocabulary and grammar, as well as enjoying the language! Students often arrive having experienced a range of different teaching styles and content at school, therefore we invest a lot of time and effort into ensuring that everyone is on a level playing field.
A variety of teaching methods are employed, using listening, DVD, interactive whiteboard and computer facilities in our virtual language labs.
Two French Assistants work with small groups to improve oral skills for one hour per week. An excellent opportunity for you to make progress.
Our students tell us that this all leads to a very positive atmosphere within the department!
Examination Details
Our exam board is WJEC. Units 1 and 2 can be taken at the end of the first year to receive an AS qualification. However, due to the nature of language learning, some students benefit from re-taking their AS unit 2 in January or the summer of the second year.
Units 3 and 4 are taken in the summer of the second year.
For further details of the examinations consult www.wjec.co.uk
Useful/Common Subject Combinations
French goes well with any subject combination as it is the perfect way to broaden your skills portfolio, especially if you are studying three other similar subjects such as science or maths. It is a popular choice with other languages, Law, Travel & Tourism, Business and Arts subjects. Any student contemplating applying to Oxbridge for Languages is advised to take English Literature alongside French.
Careers and HE Information
Modern Languages graduates have some of the lowest unemployment rates and are highly sought after by large companies. They also earn, on average, 8% more than other graduates! Our students realise this, and many continue studying a language at university - often with subjects like International Business or Law. Our students choose a wide variety of universities, but all comment on how well prepared they feel when they start their languages course. A language is needed to allow students to compete on an equal footing with our mainland European counterparts whose level of English is often as good, if not better than our own!
Other Relevant Information
Course notes are provided and text books are issued from the Library. You may find it useful to have a ‘good’ French/English dictionary (eg Collins Robert). The Library is stocked full of resources and we have an excellent collection of French films.
Contact us
We are always happy to take enquiries. Contact us on enquiries@qeliz.ac.uk