AS / A2 French

WHY TAKE THIS COURSE?
French is spoken officially in 33 countries: this number is second only to English. It is a beautiful language and a world language of considerable international importance, spoken widely in West Africa, several European countries and Canada. If you enjoyed learning French at GCSE; if you think you might work in a job with international links, and if you want to enhance your university application, then AS or A2 French would combine well with your other A level subjects at Priestley.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?
AS French is very different to GCSE. There is greater importance placed on grammar at AS than at GCSE level and you will need to learn verb patterns, rules about adjectives and pronouns to help you express yourself. You will study real issues which touch on young people’s lives, for example conflicts between generations, difficulties of young people with bullying and peer pressure and interests in music, fashion and sports. You will have the chance to develop and communicate your own ideas. At A2 level you will study social and political issues such as immigration and racism, unemployment and social marginalisation as well as the environment. You will also study two French films and, if you would like to, French literature as well.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
One oral and one written examination for both the AS and the A2 courses. You will also be assessed by your teachers throughout the course so we can see how you are progressing and provide support where needed.

WHAT SKILLS AND SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED?
You should have at least a GCSE grade C in both French and English Language and a minimum average GCSE pass of C. You should have sat the Higher Tier GCSE French examinations. You will continue to develop your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills as you did for GCSE. You will learn to express your ideas and opinions in French and you will strengthen and extend your knowledge and understanding of grammar.

WHAT CAN I DO NEXT?
Careers in Law, Medicine, Engineering and Business all welcome students who have studied French at AS or A2 level. Studying French shows that you are bright, have good communication skills and are interested in other peoples and cultures. These are all attributes valued by employers and universities.

PRIESTLEY EXTRA
You will have the opportunity to do a week’s work experience in France. You will be able to watch films at the Cornerhouse cinema in Manchester and attend university sixth form days and French AS and A2 topic days.