French

Studying French offers students the opportunity to develop advanced language skills while gaining insight into the culture, politics, and society of French-speaking countries. This course is ideal for students who enjoy languages and want to explore how language shapes identity and communication in a global context. It combines linguistic development with the study of authentic texts, films, and current affairs.

What will you study?

Students follow the AQA A Level French specification, which includes:

Four core themes exploring social issues, political and artistic culture in the French-speaking world
Study of one literary text and one film in French
Individual research project on a topic of personal interest related to a French-speaking country

Assessment

Assessment is through three components:

Paper 1: Listening, reading and writing – 2 hours 30 minutes (50% of A Level)
Paper 2: Writing – 2 hours (20% of A Level)
Paper 3: Speaking – 21 to 23 minutes, including discussion of the individual research project (30% of A Level)

Entry requirements

To study French, students should have:

A minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 9–4 (or equivalent)
A Grade 6 or above in GCSE French

Enrichment opportunities

Students benefit from a range of enrichment activities, including:

Language workshops and conversation clubs
Film screenings and cultural events
Opportunities to explore French literature, cinema, and current affairs
Support for university applications in languages and international studies

These experiences help students build fluency, cultural awareness, and confidence in using the language in real-world contexts.

Progression and careers

Studying French opens doors to a wide range of university courses and career pathways, including:

Modern Languages, International Relations, Translation, and Business
Transferable skills in communication, analysis, and intercultural understanding

A language qualification is highly valued by universities and employers, especially in global industries and international roles.