French A Level

Entry Requirements

• Grade 9-5 in French and four or more GCSEs at grades 9-4.

Assessment

• 100% exam (50% listening and reading, 20% writing and 30% speaking)

Course Duration

• Two years

Exam Board

• AQA

Why Choose French A Level?

Choosing French A Level offers you the chance to deepen your understanding of one of the world’s most widely spoken languages. French is spoken by over 300 million people across five continents, making it a truly global language.

Whether you have a passion for languages, enjoy traveling, or are interested in working internationally, studying French at A Level opens doors to diverse opportunities.

Learning French not only enhances your communication skills but also allows you to gain a deep insight into the rich history, culture, and traditions of the French-speaking world. It fosters critical thinking, builds confidence, and gives you the ability to express complex ideas in another language.

What You Will Explore

French A Level goes beyond basic language skills. The course covers a variety of topics that are both intellectually stimulating and relevant to today’s world. You will explore:

• • Social Issues and Trends: Discuss contemporary topics such as immigration, the changing nature of family structures, and social inequality.

  • Political and Artistic Culture: Delve into the history, politics, art, and film of French-speaking countries, examining important cultural movements and influential figures.

  • Literature and Cinema: Study renowned works of French literature and cinema, allowing you to engage with key texts and films that have shaped French culture and identity.

  • The Francophone World: Gain a broader perspective on the French-speaking countries outside of France, learning about the unique cultures and challenges they face.

  • Independent Research Project: Conduct an in-depth research project on a topic of your choice related to the French-speaking world, developing your skills as an independent learner and researcher.

Skills You Will Develop

Studying French A Level equips you with a variety of transferable skills that will benefit you in both your academic and professional life. These include:

• Advanced Communication: Achieve fluency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in French, enabling you to communicate confidently in a wide range of situations.

• Critical Thinking: Analyse complex issues from multiple perspectives, improving your ability to evaluate arguments and present logical conclusions.

• Research and Analysis: Conduct thorough research and critically analyse information, which is essential for both further education and future careers.

• Cultural Awareness: Gain a deeper understanding of global cultures, enhancing your empathy and adaptability when interacting with people from different backgrounds.

• Problem-Solving: Overcome language barriers and develop creative solutions to communication challenges.

• Independence and Resilience: Through the independent research project, you’ll develop time management, self-discipline, and the ability to work independently.

Transferable Skills and Real-World Impact

Studying French A Level provides you with skills that are highly valued by employers across a wide range of industries. These include:

• Bilingual Communication: Mastering a second language boosts cognitive flexibility and enhances your ability to think creatively.

• Global Perspective: Understanding other cultures makes you more adaptable in our increasingly interconnected world. French A Level fosters a global mind-set that can make a positive impact in fields such as humanitarian work, global development, and international business.

• Enhanced Career Prospects: Being bilingual gives you a competitive edge in the job market, opening up opportunities for higher salaries and international positions.

• Cultural Appreciation: With a deeper understanding of French culture, you’ll be able to engage more meaningfully with French speakers and contribute to cross-cultural collaboration.

Where Can French A Level Lead?

French A Level can led to a wealth of opportunities in higher education and various career paths. It provides a solid foundation for studying French at university or combining it with other subjects like business, law, politics, or international relations. Universities highly value A Level French for the analytical and communication skills it develops.

Further Education:

• University Courses: A Level French is ideal if you’re interested in pursuing degrees in French, Modern Languages, European Studies, International Business, or Linguistics. Some universities offer joint degrees where you can combine French with other disciplines like Law, Economics, or History.

• Study Abroad Opportunities: Many degree courses offer the opportunity to study or work abroad in a French-speaking country, enriching your academic and cultural experience.

Career Opportunities:

• International Relations and Diplomacy: French is the official language of international organisations like the United Nations, European Union, and International Red Cross. Knowledge of French is a valuable asset for careers in diplomacy, international law, and global policy.

• Translation and Interpreting: With a growing demand for multilingual communication, careers in translation and interpreting offer exciting opportunities, from business and legal translation to interpreting at global conferences.

• Business and Marketing: Many multinational companies seek employees who can communicate in French, especially for roles in marketing, sales, public relations, and customer service.

• Teaching and Education: French teachers are in demand in schools around the world. Teaching English as a foreign language in French-speaking countries is also a popular career path.

• Media, Journalism, and Publishing: French fluency opens up opportunities in international journalism, broadcasting, and publishing, where knowledge of global languages is highly valued.

• Travel and Tourism: The ability to speak French is a key asset for careers in tourism, hospitality, and event management, especially in French-speaking regions of the world.