A-Level

French

Exam Board – Pearson Edexcel, Subject Leader – Georgina Jones

Learning French to an advanced level equips students with excellent communication skills, cultural awareness and the ability to think critically. This engaging two-year course builds both linguistic fluency and an understanding of the societies and cultures of the francophone world, enabling students to write and speak with confidence and accuracy.

Year 12

Building Fluency and
Cultural Knowledge

In Year 12, students develop their language skills through the study of key themes, starting with Changes in French Society, covering topics such as family structures, education, and the world of work. They also explore Popular Culture, focusing on media, music, festivals and traditions. These areas provide a strong grounding in both vocabulary and grammar, while also encouraging students to discuss and debate current issues in French.

Alongside this thematic learning, students are introduced to the topic of Occupation and Resistance, examining key moments in French history such as Occupied France, the Vichy Regime and the French Resistance. Lessons involve a blend of reading, listening, speaking and writing, all delivered mainly in the target language, supported by authentic materials including literature, films, music and news articles. Students begin to develop the analytical skills needed for literary and cinematic study, as well as prepare for the independent research project they will complete in Year 13.

Year 13

Mastery and
Independent Research

Year 13 builds on the foundation of Year 12, allowing students to refine their spoken and written French while expanding their cultural knowledge. This year focuses on Immigration and Multicultural French Society, exploring topics such as immigration, integration, and the challenges and opportunities faced by diverse communities in France.

Students undertake a detailed study of a novel and a film, deepening their understanding of French literature and cinema while honing their critical analysis skills. A key element of Year 13 is the independent research project, which is linked to the spoken examination. This allows students to explore a topic of their choice relating to the culture or society of a French-speaking country, encouraging independent thinking and advanced language use.

Assessment across the course includes listening, reading and translation papers, a writing and translation exam, and the speaking assessment. By the end of Year 13, students are equipped with the fluency, analytical ability and cultural understanding needed for success at university and in careers such as translation, interpreting, international relations, journalism and teaching.

Contact

The Thomas Adams School
Lowe Hill
Wem
Shropshire
SY4 5UB 

Tel: +44 1939 237000

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