French

Course details

Training is given in the following skill areas: speaking, listening comprehension, reading comprehension, writing and literature in the Upper Sixth. Lower Sixth language lessons are used to study grammar, often in the context of specific topic areas such as the media, popular culture, healthy living, family and relationships. Considerable emphasis is put on practising and developing listening skills. You are given guidance in lessons and also assignments to be done on your own in listening, reading and writing skills. The A2 course will cover the environment, the multi-cultural society, contemporary social issues and a cultural topic.

Conversation lessons with a native speaker are provided on a weekly basis.

Examination structure:
There is an integrated approach to the testing of language skills.

Units:
AS Tests (end of L6)
(i) Listening, Reading and Writing - Integrated skills paper
(ii) Speaking Test
A2 Tests (end of U6)
(i) Listening, Reading and Writing - Integrated skills paper
(ii) Speaking Test

Skills gained

Oral and written communication, an understanding of the use of language and an ability to analyse as well as an eye for detail.

Visit Opportunities

There is the possibility of a travel bursary to support individual visits to France.

Connections with other subjects

Similar language learning skills are needed in German and Spanish.

Post A Level

Many recent students have combined French with management/business studies and law, others opting for the traditional one or two language courses. As an alternative, European studies courses may be attractive. It is also possible to combine the language with science/engineering courses and to study abroad through the European community's ERASMUS scheme. Languages are useful for teaching, translation, interpreting and as support for many careers where broadening markets make language skills especially useful.