French

Course type: A level
Awarding/exam body: Pearson Edexcel

Would you like to speak fluently in French-speaking countries around the world?

Are you excited to explore French cinema and delve into the works of celebrated French authors?

Studying French at A level offers you the chance to immerse yourself in a rich cultural tradition and opens doors to global travel, study, and career opportunities. A level French has been developed to inspire students who have an appreciation of the language, literature, film and culture of the French-speaking world. You’ll learn the French language through studying a range of social issues and trends, such as the changes in family structures in France, education and the world of work, politics, and culture (festivals and traditions, music, and media).

You’ll also delve into France’s fascinating history, studying the impacts, challenges and benefits of immigration on France since the XIX century; and World War Two, specifically the German Occupation and the Resistance period.

You’ll study a set film, Entre Les Murs by Laurent Cantet, and a book, No et Moi by Delphone Vigan which will be assessed through a target language essay. You’ll also have the opportunity to carry out an independent research project which will be assessed within the Speaking exam.

LANGUAGES AT SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER

Languages can be combined with any other subject to add an international dimension to your studies and your future career. The rest of the world most definitely does not “always speak English”.  At university, the Turing Scheme lets you study for a year abroad at a European university – whatever main subject you are taking. Few UK students can do this, because they usually do not have the language skills, but with an A level in a language you will be in a much stronger position to study art in Italy or politics in Spain or law in France.

OTHER LANGUAGES Speakers of other languages who can prove their competence at GCSE standard can be entered for A level examinations.

NATIVE SPEAKERS Native speakers of any of the languages that we offer (Italian, French, Spanish and Portuguese) with no GCSE qualification can still join the course provided their competence in the language is tested and discussed with the subject teacher and the head of department.