French A level (See Option Blocks on our website)

A-level. This is a two year course, based around the core topics studied: Social Issues and Trends, Political and Artistic Culture, and grammar. A-level also involves the in-depth study and analysis of a literary text and a film. All four linguistic skills: listening, reading, speaking and writing are studied and assessed, allowing students to become very confident in their use of the foreign language topics.

Modern Language A-levels combine well with any other subject at Notre Dame High Sixth Form and complement a well-balanced education. The course develops essential skills of communication and is an ideal option for students who have an enthusiasm for language learning and a willingness to participate in discussions and debates. Reading and researching contemporary resources, such as newspaper articles, the internet and video-clips, forms an integral part of the course. If you prefer working in smaller groups, there will be opportunities to practise speaking with a language assistant. There are opportunities for students who are interested in travelling abroad to take part in study visits or work experience.

Paper 1- Listening, reading and writing

Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes

100 marks allocated – 50%

Content:

• Aspects of French-speaking society: current trends

• Aspects of French-speaking society: current issues

• Artistic culture in the French-speaking world

• Aspects of political life in the French-speaking world

• Grammar

Paper 2- Writing

Written exam: 2 hours

80 marks allocated – 20%

Content:

• One text -L’Etranger

• One film – La Haine

• Grammar

Paper 3- Speaking

Oral exam: 21–23 minutes (including 5 minutes preparation time)

60 marks allocated – 30%

Content:

• Individual research project

• Speaking card - One of the four themes from Paper 1 (from choice of two)

We offer A-levels in French and Spanish to those students who have completed a GCSE course. You should have achieved a grade 6 or above at GCSE in the language you will be studying.

(See Option Blocks on our website)