French
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Blocks
1
Level
A-Level
Course Length
2 Years
Timetable
Full Time
Key Skills:
Reasons to study French
French is the 4th most widely spoken language in the world with an estimated 396 million speakers.
We provide a vibrant linguistic experience in a calm and welcoming environment.
Weekly one-to-one speaking lessons with an experienced, native language assistant.
An AS or A-Level in a foreign language will make you more competitive when applying for university or jobs.
What you will study
Year 1 (AS) – family life, use of technology and volunteering in French speaking societies. French music, cinema and heritage. Grammar. You will study ‘La Haine’, a famous French film about three young friends and their struggle to live in the suburbs of Paris.
Year 2 (A-Level) – diversity, marginalisation and how France treats its criminals, political engagement, the role of trade unions and immigration. We also study a book ‘No et Moi’, an international award-winning story of two girls from different backgrounds, united in friendship.
What you will need
You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for your chosen pathway.
GCSE English - minimum grade 5
GCSE French Higher paper - minimum grade 6
Commitment to improving grammar and vocabulary
Interest in learning more about current affairs, social justice and culture in France and French-speaking countries
Readiness to take part in pair and group work
Commitment to attend speaking classes with our native language assistant
How you will be assessed
Year 1 (AS) – one listening and reading comprehension exam, one essay and translation exam, one speaking exam (conducted by your teacher).
Year 2 (A-Level) – one listening and reading comprehension exam, one essay exam, one speaking exam (conducted by your teacher).
Priestley extra
Overseas study visit to Belgium and France in March 2024.
University language events.
Online taster sessions for other languages (Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese etc.)
Extra grammar sessions.
Revision workshops.
Reading List
We study the film ‘La Haine’ (1995, directed by Mathieu Kassovitz) on the course. Get ahead and watch it with subtitles. The film chronicles a day and night in the lives of three friends from a poor immigrant neighbourhood in the suburbs of Paris.
https://priestley.planetestream.com/View.aspx?id=5612~4o~osjYKoy4
Recommended websites
Conjuguemos is an online platform that offers comprehensive tools for learning French verb conjugation.
https://conjuguemos.com/activities/french/verb/1
The Languages Online (LO) website is good for practising and revising grammar in readiness for college. There are lots of choices and you get instant feedback to help you learn.
https://www.languagesonline.org.uk/Hotpotatoes/frenchindex.html
Progression
University where you can combine French with other subjects including business and management, politics, marketing, accountancy, law, engineering, journalism, HR, fashion, arts, sciences and many more. A-Level French can be the key to securing top apprenticeships and employment.
How to Apply
Demand for places at Priestley College has been exceptionally high in recent years. We recommend you apply for your place early to avoid disappointment.Â
Study Programme
A-Level and Vocational (Level 3) students are expected to follow a full study programme of three plus one AS-Level courses/equivalents. Your study programme can, however, include a Specialism as one of your choices.