French

French combines well with any group of subjects at AS and A-Level. It enjoys considerable prestige in university applications for the communication and analytical skills the subject demands. By the end of the course, you will be able to discuss a range of topics such as immigration, homelessness and crime as well as fashion, art and cinema. We aim to go to France each year for a language and culture trip.

Spanish

Spanish is increasingly a language of global business as well as one of leisure and tourism. You will extend your appreciation of the Spanish language and culture as well as having the opportunity to study a literary text. We also to go to Spain each year for a language and culture trip.

Course Content and Methodology

Core Content

• Social Issues and Trends
• Political and Artistic Culture
• Grammar
• Methodology

We use authentic texts on contemporary issues which we use to discuss, debate, argue, summarise, and translate.

We listen to authentic audio material such as Kerboodle sound files and live news items to broaden our range of vocabulary and strengthen our listening skills.

We do grammar exercises regularly to master the rules and structures and then practice these independently in our speaking and writing.

Course Requirements

French Assessment

Exam Board: AQA French A-Level 7652

Paper 1: Listening, reading and writing

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; Grammar

Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes

100 marks - 50% of A-Level

Paper 2: Writing

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

Written exam: 2 hours

80 marks - 20% of A-Level

Paper 3: Speaking

Individual research project – presentation and then discussion. One of four sub-themes i.e 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. This is assessed through a picture/information text.

Oral exam: 21 - 23 minutes (including 5 minutes prep time).

Spanish Assessment

AQA Spanish level 7692

Paper 1: Listening, reading and writing

• Aspects of Hispanic-speaking society: current trends;
• Aspects of Hispanic-speaking society: current issues;
• Artistic culture in the Hispanic-speaking world;
• Aspects of political life in the Hispanic-speaking world;
• Grammar

Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes

100 marks - 50% of A-Level

Paper 2: Writing

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

Written exam: 2 hours

80 marks - 20% of A-Level

Paper 3: Speaking

• Individual research project
• One of four sub-themes: Aspects of Hispanic Society, Artistic Culture in the Hispanic World, Multiculturalism in Hispanic Society, Aspects of Political Life in Hispanic Society

Oral exam: 21 - 23 minutes (including 5 minutes prep time).

60 marks - 30% of A-Level

Facilities