French

AQA (French) 7652

GCSE French Grade 7

You will sit three exams.

Paper 1- Listening, reading and writing (2 hours 30 minutes) 40% of the A-level.

Paper 2- Writing (2 hours). 30% of the A-level.

Paper 3 – Speaking (21-23 minutes). 30% of the A-level.

Choosing an A-level language is a really good move if you want a fascinating subject that offers you a range of career possibilities at the end and a lot of fun along the way. A-level language courses are interesting and varied subjects to study and give you a broad range of knowledge and skills.

Learning a language is a never-ending process; languages are constantly changing, bringing in new words and getting rid of old ones. This is one of the great things about learning languages, you’re always up to speed with the world! You may just want to turn your back on languages after doing them for two years at GCSE, but don’t! The skills and qualifications that you gain from studying a language at A-level are incredibly important tools to have under your belt. There is no doubt that universities value applications from students who have an A-level in a language.

1. Social issues and trends

• Aspects of French-speaking society: current trends (The changing nature of family; The ‘cybersociety’; The place of voluntary work)
• Aspects of French-speaking society: current issues (Positive features of a diverse society; Life for the marginalised; How criminals are treated)

2. Political and artistic culture

• Artistic culture in the French-speaking world (A culture proud of its heritage; Contemporary francophone music; Cinema: the 7th art form)
• Aspects of political life in the French-speaking world (Teenagers, the right to vote and political commitment; Demonstrations and strikes; Politics and immigration)

3. Grammar

4. Literary texts and films

• One text and a film or two texts from AQA’s list.

5. Individual research project

• A subject relating to a country where French is spoken.

Your A-level in French will build on what you have covered at GCSE level. Career prospects for language students are varied. Linguists tend to be good communicators and have other transferable skills including the ability to gather and interpret information, organisational skills and the ability to work well with others.

An ‘A’ level in languages can lead to courses at university either where languages are the main focus or where they are studied as secondary subjects to other courses. eg. Law, Business Studies, Media etc.

Language graduates can find employment in many areas: – Translation and Interpreting work, Diplomatic Service, Tourism, Teaching, Marketing, Sales, PR, Advertising, Business and finance, Banking, Accountancy Bi-lingual secretarial work, Civil Service etc. both in England and abroad. Other careers involve the Armed Forces, Law, Journalism, Film-making, ICT, Police Force etc.