French A Level

Do you want to master a major world language? If the answer is yes, then A Level French could be the ideal learning opportunity for you.

Make no mistake, French is important. Not just as a European language, but also as a world language thanks to over 200 million speakers across the globe.

In fact, its popularity and reputation for accuracy of expression has led to French being used as the international language of diplomacy.

However, you don’t have to be a diplomat to benefit. That is because speaking fluent French opens up many different opportunities for work, study and travel as well.

Why choose
French A Level?

You will be encouraged to speak French during your lessons as much as possible to improve your fluency, which will be enhanced further by weekly sessions with our native-speaking language assistant.

We also use a range of interactive learning techniques to help you improve your listening and reading skills at our dedicated language laboratory.

Furthermore, you can participate in our annual exchange programme with a college in Brittany, giving you an authentic French cultural experience.

Course modules/units

Year one: 

1. La famille en voie de changement
2. La cybersociété
3. Le rôle du bénévolat
4. Une culture fière de son patrimoine
5. La musique francophone contemporaine
6. Cinéma: le septième art
7. Study of a film (Au revoir les enfants)
8. Study of a novel (No et Moi) – this continues into Year 2

Year two: 

1. Les aspects positifs d’une société diverse
2. Quelle vie en France pour les marginalisés?
3. Comment on traite les criminels
4. Les ados, le droit de vote et l’engagement politique
5. Manifestations, grèves – à qui le pouvoir?
6. La politique et l’immigration
7. Study of a novel (No et Moi)
8. Independent Research Project – on a topic of your choice

Additional information

• Improve in all aspects of using French, giving you enhanced abilities in speaking, listening and writing in context.

• Develop your French oral skills in lessons and weekly tutorials under the guidance of a native-speaking teaching assistant.

• Investigate the political development and artistic phenomena of French speaking countries to gain a broad appreciation of French culture.

• Understand French multiculturalism by reflecting on the 220 million people who speak French worldwide.

• Explore how and why and French is the official working language of the United Nations, the European Union, UNESCO, NATO, the International Olympic Committee, the International Red Cross and international courts.

• Evaluate defining aspects of French society, including current issues highlighted by the news.

Teaching & learning

As a student your French language skills will improve significantly thanks to a whole raft of initiatives and innovations.

These include group work, debates and interactive listening, reading and comprehension tasks in our language laboratory.

You will also engage critically with intellectually stimulating texts, films and music, giving you a culturally stimulating and entertaining learning experience.

In addition, you will read about and debate issues in French current affairs to further appreciate what matters in French society.

Minimum entry requirements

Five GCSEs at grade 4 and above with a minimum average GCSE score of 4.0, including:

• French grade 6
• English Language or English Literature grade 5
• Maths

What can I do with this qualification?

Here in the UK the ability to speak fluent French is a sought-after skill, with half of employers saying it was a desirable characteristic in an applicant.

In terms of higher education, this course will give you the linguistic skills to further develop your French or switch to another language.

A Level French also means you can enjoy a greatly enhanced experience the next time you visit a French-speaking country.

Course student profiles

Lizzie Thomas secured a yearlong job in advertising for Elle and Paris Match magazines through the university Erasmus programme. She currently lives behind the Sorbonne with French flatmates and is enjoying Parisian life. She will return to the UK to complete the final year of her French degree at University College London, and hopes to live and work in France after graduating.

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