French

Course summary

The A-level French specification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills gained at GCSE. It constitutes an integrated study with a focus on language, culture and society. It fosters a range of transferable skills including communication, critical thinking, research skills and creativity, which are valuable to the student and society. The approach is a focus on how French-speaking society has been shaped, socially and culturally, and how it continues to change. The content is suitable for students who wish to progress to employment or further study, including a modern languages degree. Subject Content • In the first year, aspects of the social context and artistic life of French-speaking countries are studied. • In the second year, further aspects of the social background are covered, this time focusing on issues such as life for those on the margins of French-speaking society as well as looking at the positive influences that diversity brings. • Students also study aspects of the political landscape in a French-speaking country, looking at immigration from the political perspective and at the way in which political power is expressed through action such as strikes and demonstrations. • Students must also study one book and one film and be able to appreciate, analyse and respond critically to them both in writing in French. Main Themes • Social issues and trends including the changing nature of family, the cyber generation, positive features of a diverse society and how criminals are treated. • Political and artistic culture including contemporary francophone music, Cinema: the 7th art form, teenagers’ right to vote and political commitment and politics and immigration. • Grammar elements learnt at GCSE are revisited as well as learning the pluperfect, past historic and subjunctive tenses. • Literary texts and films are studied from a pre-prescribed list of 10 texts and 6 films including La Haine, Un long dimanche de fiançailles, L’auberge espagnole and Entre les murs.