French

Subject Mission Statement

We aim to create global citizens with the curiosity to travel and interact with people from cultures other than our own. Students will develop an awareness of how language works and will widen their understanding, knowledge and use of a range of language competencies in a range of contexts. As students become more competent and independent, they will foster transferrable skills including communication, critical thinking, research and creativity.

Overview

The course has been designed to give a profound understanding of French. Not only will you understand more about the mechanics of the language (grammar, vocabulary), but also how people live and use language on a daily basis. All this will be taught by looking at newspapers, books, magazines, television, film and, of course, textbooks. You will do some work in our language laboratory and will also have one hour per week of intensive speaking work with the French assistant.

The topics covered include current trends, issues in society, artistic culture in the French-speaking world, aspects of political life and literary texts and films. The cultural works studied will be Le Tartuffe by Molière and Le Haine by Mathieu Kassovitz

KS5 Intent Statement

The A-level curriculum 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 individual and society. The content is suitable for learners who wish to progress to employment or to further study, including a modern languages degree. The approach is a focus on how French/Spanish-speaking society has been shaped socially and culturally and how it continues to change. In the first year aspects of the social context are studied, together with aspects of the artistic life of Spanish-speaking countries. In the second year further aspects of the social background are covered, this time focusing on matters associated with multiculturalism. Students also study aspects of the political landscape including the future of political life in the French/Hispanic world by focusing on young people and their political engagement. Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of themes relating to the culture and society of countries where French/Spanish is spoken, and their language skills. They do this by using authentic spoken and written sources in Spanish. The literary texts and films studied offers opportunities to link with the themes. In Spanish the play La casa de Bernarda Alba is linked to the sub-theme Modern and Traditional Values while the film El laberinto del fauno is connected to the sub-theme Monarchies and Dictatorships. In French Tartuffe is linked to the sub-theme of Political Life, while La Haine is linked to aspects of Politics and Immigration.

They appreciate, analyse and become able to respond critically in writing in French/Spanish to the work they have studied, including a critical appreciation of the concepts and issues covered and a critical and analytical response to features such as the form and the technique of presentation.

Through the Individual Research Project, learners develop research skills in French/Spanish, demonstrating the ability to initiate and conduct individual research on a subject of personal interest, relating to the country or countries where French/Spanish is spoken.

Qualification Details

Exam Board: AQA
Qualification Title: French
Qualification Specification Code: 7652
Qualification Webpage: Click here to visit the AQA webpage for the specification.

Entry Requirements

Standard Sixth Form entry requirements

What will I study in this qualification?

The summary of components is as follows:

• Social Issues and Trends

• Political and Artistic Culture

• Grammar

• Works: Literary Texts and Films

Possible Career Paths

Languages can be studied as a standalone subject or as a combined degree with a huge variety of subjects, including Business, Mathematics, Economics, Law and International Relations. It is possible to study one, two or three languages in a degree, and any language can be studied from scratch or continued from GCSE or A-Level standard. Language degrees prepare learners for careers related to the subject such as Translation, Interpretation and Teaching, but are also in demand for pathways such as Law, International Relations or Banking.

Who should I speak to if I need further information?

Mr J. Maurice