Course Overview
Please note: you will make your selection of three A Levels once you have progressed into the application process.
A Level French provides an engaging and exciting opportunity for students to build on their previous study of French at GCSE.
Through social, intellectual, historical and political cultural themes, students will be able to develop their linguistic knowledge and cultural understanding of the countries and communities where the language is spoken. This subject combines particularly well with History, English and Sociology as the curriculums overlap.
A strong focus is placed on building student confidence and fluency in spoken French using relevant and topical themes.
The course begins with revision, building on prior grammatical knowledge with personal grammar booklets, online exercises and small group sessions for support.
Themes include what life is like for young French-speaking people today. In your first year, you watch and study a French film, while in your second year you will explore literature in the target language as well as choosing an area of personal interest to research and present during your speaking exam. This could relate to the country or communities where French is spoken and offers you the opportunity to deepen your cultural awareness.
Topics may include:
- Being a young person in a French-speaking society
- Changes in family, marriage and divorce
- Use of technology in France amongst young people
- Education systems, travel and work opportunities
- Regional culture and heritage in France
- Media, art, film and music in the French-speaking world
- Immigration and integration ‘ problems and benefits
- Cultural enrichment and celebrating difference
- Life in Occupied France, the Resistance, political and cultural consequences.
Assessment Methods
You will be assessed through listening, reading, writing and speaking examinations, with regular internal assessment taking place as the course unfolds.
Your final A Level exam will be made up of two exam papers and one speaking test covering the entire programme at the end of year two.
Progression Options
The large majority of our students go on to university with many studying French combined with another subject, such Law, History, Marketing, Business.Many students also take advantage of the Turing Scheme, which can offer you the chance to spend a year working or studying abroad.
You might even decide to work and live in France or a French-speaking country to practise and improve your language skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
The Student Experience Team can mentor and signpost students who are struggling with a range of issues that are negatively impacting their day-to-day life. The Student Experience Team works closely with the Safeguarding & Lifestyle Teams to promote proactive wellbeing enrichment sessions. The team can refer on to counselling when appropriate.
We provide top-quality workshops and teaching areas across our Colleges for subjects such as art, design and media, hair and beauty, catering, automotive engineering and construction. You can review our campus facilities by navigating to the “College Life” section of our websites.
For us, the success of our students always comes first. By investing in our built environment, we are investing in your future.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
The Safeguarding Team can offer advice and guidance on anything that may be affecting your young person and their studies – no problem is too big or too small!
Please email our Safeguarding team at staysafe@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. If you query is urgent, please come to the College Reception and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Officer.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.
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