French
Sir John Lawes School - Hertfordshire
01582760043
Manland Way, Harpenden, AL5 4QP
Course summary

If you want to broaden your horizons and are fascinated by foreign countries, cultures and communication, then this course is for you. This course not only provides you with the skills to be able to converse in that language, it shows your calibre as a learner, a multitasker, a communicator and strategic thinker, all of which are highly sought-after traits in the employment market. A higher level qualification is an enormous asset for university applications of any discipline. It is also great fun and offers plenty of challenge. Language-qualified people are becoming increasingly rare in British society, so a French A Level can really make you stand out. Modern languages degrees typically involve spending a year abroad and this can be an opportunity to find work in a field that interests you and gain relevant experience. Many big graduate employers are multinational organisations and are keen to recruit candidates who are willing to work overseas and can liaise effectively with international colleagues. There are a wide variety of career opportunities available to students of a foreign language, either those directly using languages or, increasingly, where a foreign language is an additional required skill - for example in accountancy, law, insurance, marketing, banking, tourism and PA work. You will be intellectually challenged, taught in friendly and supportive groups and have the opportunity to study more mature and interesting topics such as the rights of young people, immigration and media among others. You will meet with the language assistant to discuss themes within each topic area using authentic materials and will be expected to engage in independent study. The A Level course goes excellently alongside other A Level options. Course content Reading – you will understand and extract information from the authentic sources such as magazines and newspapers. Listening – you will extract information from sources such as new reports, interviews and discussions. Speaking and Writing – you will write essays and hold conversations and discussions in French. You will develop your expertise in French grammar. Cultural Aspects – You will explore aspects of French culture, which will include studying a book and a film. You will also discuss matters arising in the French news and explore issues affecting French society. Topics include: The changing nature of family The ‘cyber-society‘ The role of charities Contemporary Francophone music Immigration Diversity within society Crime Study of one literary text and film An individual research project

Entry requirements

Students studying A Level French would be expected to gain a grade 6 or above in GCSE French, as well as an APS of 4.5 or above.

How you'll be assessed

The whole two-year course is assessed at the end of Year 13. You will be assessed by sitting a reading, listening and writing paper in June and during a speaking assessment with your class teacher in May.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionEast of England
Local AuthorityHertfordshire
Ofsted RatingOutstanding
Gender TypeCo-Educational
AddressManland Way, Harpenden, AL5 4QP