FRENCH - A LEVEL

The progression from French at GCSE to French at "A" Level is one from basic communicative language for day-to-day purposes, ("survival French"), to the higher level of language required for entering the world of ideas, learning about and discussing current affairs, and attaining a wider range and deeper level of conversational competence which will enable you to function socially in a French environment. The induction programme will give you an overview of the course and exam requirements, suggest various strategies for improving the various skills needed, and make clear to you the level of ability and commitment necessary to be successful.

The continuing move into the heart of Europe brings exciting job opportunities for students with a language at "A" Level. Our results continue to be the best in the area. We do not favour a particular methodology. We aim for the best "A" Level result for you. Once you have that, there is a huge variety of courses that you can go on to follow. Our more recent students have gone on to study: Law; Media Studies; Film Studies; French and Law; French and Business Studies; Spanish, French and Marketing; and French at Cambridge. In fact, the very skills needed to obtain a sound languages degree will leave you well qualified for a very wide range of careers, not only those with a European flavour. Whatever other subjects you choose for "A" Level - Science, Maths, English, Economics, Geography, History are among the other choices of this year’s students - it will be a good career move to include a language in your "A" Level choices.

Much of the oral work is based on topic material which is prepared beforehand, which makes it less daunting. One of the writing papers is general, a letter or a discursive essay perhaps, whilst the second is based on the study of 2 works of literature or 2 aspects of French cultural life or current affairs. You may decide to take a coursework option, chosing your own area of interest. Some of the best French Films will be at your disposal.

"A" level French requires a high initial level of linguistic ability, which must be demonstrated by achieving an A or B grade at GCSE. The course also demands that students be prepared to work hard at home and in lessons, be organised enough to meet various deadlines for learning vocabulary and producing written work throughout the 2 years, and be interested in reading independently outside the basic texts. Obviously a desire to visit France and use the language in a real-life situation is extremely desirable. There is an exchange in co-operation with Clarendon House for Girls with a school in Lille. Over the 2 years of the course there will be a clear gradient of learning and expectation which will allow you to make steady and manageable progress from GCSE to a much higher level of competence. With this will come a clear sense of achievement and enhanced confidence.

The final exams at the end of year 13 provide the only external form of assessment. However, your progress will be constantly monitored by frequent vocabulary tests, comprehension tasks and essays. Your oral exam will be conducted by your normal teacher, not an external examiner, which should reduce pressure on you and allow you to perform to your best ability.

There will be a Year 12 exam and a Year 13 mock to gauge your overall progress.