French

Course summary

This course equips students with the ability to communicate in French and fosters transferable skills including critical thinking and creativity. In addition, it develops the understanding of French culture and society and students will explore the influence of the past on present-day French speaking countries. As part of the course, students will be encouraged to respond to thought-provoking questions and explain viewpoints in French. This is a two year course. Features of the A Level course include: • use of up to date authentic texts from a variety of sources – magazines, newspapers and internet articles • listening to real French in conversations, interviews, news items, DVD and the internet • study of aspects of society in the French-speaking world • study of a French film and piece of literature • opportunities for personal research of topics and independent work • individual help, support and encouragement throughout the course • regular sessions with the Foreign Language Assistant The following topics are studied throughout the course: Year 12 • Changing nature of the family • The ‘cyber-society’ • Voluntary work • French culture and its heritage • Contemporary francophone music • Cinema Year 13 • Features of a diverse society • Life for the marginalised • Treatment of criminals • The right to vote and youth politics • Trade unions • Politics and immigration