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A and AS Level French 

If you have studied French at GCSE level, why not continue on to A Level and develop your linguistic skills further. Not only will you improve your language skills, but you will gain further insight into France’s history and culture. Aside from the travel and work opportunities that a qualification in A Level French would bring, there are several academic benefits too. For example, you will obtain a wider awareness and knowledge of historical associations with Philosophy, Theatre and Literature. 

There are also many business advantages. For example, employment opportunities related to European trading, translation, travel and tourism.  

Course Structure 

If you are studying A Level French over two years, you will be given the opportunity to enter for an AS Level qualification at the end of your first year.  

You are also able to complete the full A Level French course in one year, depending on your previous experience. Below is a course overview, as detailed on the AQA website.  

‘The approach is a focus on how French-speaking society has been shaped, socially and culturally, and how it continues to change. In the first year, aspects of the social context are studied, together with aspects of the artistic life of French-speaking countries. In the second year further aspects of the social background are covered, this time focusing on issues such as life for those on the margins of French-speaking society as well as looking at the positive influences that diversity brings. Students also study aspects of the political landscape in a French-speaking country, looking at immigration from the political perspective and at the way in which political power is expressed through action such as strikes and demonstrations. Teenagers and the extent to which they are politically engaged looks towards the future of political life in French-speaking society.’ 

Assessment Papers 

Paper 1: Listening, reading and writing

  • Aspects of French-speaking society: current trends (For e.g. The changing nature of family, The “cyber-society”, The place of voluntary work)
  • Aspects of French-speaking society: current issues (For e.g. Positive features of a multicultural society, Life for the marginalised, How criminals are treated)
  • Artistic culture in the French-speaking world (For e.g. A culture proud of its heritage, Contemporary francophone music, French cinema)
  • Aspects of political life in the French-speaking the power world (For e.g. Teenagers’ political commitment, Strikes, who holds? Politics and immigration)
  • Grammar

Paper 2: Writing

  • One text and one film or two texts from the list set in the specification
  • Grammar

Paper 3: Speaking

  • Individual research project
  • One of four themes (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)

What Other Subjects Go with French?

A Level French will naturally pair well with other European Languages, such as German or Spanish. This would be a sensible choice should you wish to pursue a career in languages. Other subject combinations which would work well include, Philosophy, English Literature, Psychology, Film Studies and History.