A-Level French or Spanish

Course Summary

There is a French saying: “A man who speaks two languages is two men.” Mastering another language enables you to become acquainted with another way of thinking and another culture. Apart from the purely practical benefits for business, social life and leisure, having another language is a personally enriching one. Over the two years of the course, you will develop your ability to speak and write in French/Spanish, as well as to understand the spoken and written forms of the language. You will also develop your cultural knowledge of the countries in which the language is spoken, and have an opportunity to discuss topical issues relevant to these countries.

Course Introduction

Course Outline

Exam Board: AQA

Please note: Students are able to take this option as an Enrichment AS qualification in Year 12.

The structure of the course is the same for both languages. Throughout the course of the A level, in addition to the topics below, you will study one book and one film, writing an essay for each. In Year 13, you will undertake an individual research project which is of interest to you, and which relates to a country or countries in which the language is spoken.

Core Content for A-level:

Component 1 : Social Issues and trends

Component 2 : Political and artistic culture

Component 3 : Grammar

Optional Content for A-level:

Component 4 : Works – Literary texts and films

A-level Assessments

Paper 1: Listening, reading and writing (50% of A-level:2 hour 30 minute exam)

Students are assessed on aspects of French/Spanish-speaking society: current trends and issues. Artistic culture and political life in the French/Spanish-speaking world. Accurate use of grammar is also assessed.

Paper 2: Writing (20% of A-level: 2 hour exam)

Students are assessed on one text and one film or two texts from the list set in the specification. Accurate use of grammar is also assessed.

Paper 3: Speaking (30% of A-level: Oral exam (21-23 minutes including 5 minutes preparation time)

Students produce an individual research project based on one of four sub-themes ie Aspects of French/Spanish-speaking society: current trends, Aspects of French/Spanish-speaking society: current issues, Artistic culture in the French/Spanish speaking world, Aspects of political life in the French/Spanish-speaking world. The oral examination is based on this content.

Subject Entry Requirements

In addition to the general Sixth Form Entry requirements students will need the following:
GCSE English Literature or Language: Grade 5 or above
GCSE Mathematics: Grade 4 or above
GCSE French or Spanish: Grade 6 or above

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