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Introduction to A Level French

A Level French at Sandy Secondary School builds on the knowledge, understanding, and skills gained at GCSE, developing students into confident and articulate communicators in one of the world's most widely spoken languages. Examined by AQA (Specification 7652), this two-year course combines language skills with the study of French-speaking society, culture, and literature.

The course content covers aspects of French-speaking society including social issues and trends, political and artistic culture, and the study of literary texts and films. Students are required to use grammar and structures actively and accurately, developing a sophisticated command of the French language across listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

An A Level language is a well-respected qualification, classed as a 'Facilitating Subject' by the Russell Group, which means it looks excellent on a UCAS or job application. A language will help you in any chosen career within our increasingly international community.

Sara Vevers
Staff

Sara Vevers

Head of French

Assessment Structure

Paper 1: Listening, Reading and Writing
50%

Paper 1: Listening, Reading and Writing

Written examination of 2 hours 30 minutes. Covers aspects of French-speaking society (current trends and issues), artistic culture, and political life in the French-speaking world.

Paper 2: Writing
20%

Paper 2: Writing

Written examination of 2 hours, worth 80 marks. Study of one text and one film, or two texts from the specification list. Requires active and accurate use of grammar.

Paper 3: Speaking
30%

Paper 3: Speaking

Oral examination of 21–23 minutes (including 5 minutes preparation time), worth 60 marks. Tests students' ability to discuss topics and present arguments fluently in French.

Careers and University Destinations

A Level French opens doors to an exceptional range of career pathways across every sector of the global economy. As a Facilitating Subject, it is recognised by the most competitive universities and enhances any UCAS or job application. The ability to communicate in French is valued in finance, law, engineering, transport, tourism and leisure, central and local government, business, teaching, sales and marketing, energies and utilities, international organisations such as the United Nations, EU and NATO, logistics, fashion design, and lecturing.

There are many degree combinations available for students who wish to pursue French after A Level, including French with Maths, International Business with French, Law with French, Education and French, European Studies with French, French and Politics, Art History and French, and French and Journalism, Media and Communication.

  • Finance and Law
  • International Business
  • Tourism and Leisure
  • International Organisations (UN, EU, NATO)
  • Engineering and Transport
  • Fashion Design
  • Journalism, Media and Communication

It's really interesting – you learn about current affairs and different cultures.

It's fulfilling to use your language skills in the country where it is actually spoken.

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Begin Your A Level French Journey

Ready to open doors across the globe? Our A Level French programme at Sandy Secondary School develops fluent communicators prepared for international careers and prestigious university courses. Speak with Mrs S Vevers to discover how French can transform your future.

Contact the MFL Department