French

Exam Board: AQA

Building on work already covered in KS3 students continue to develop their ability to communicate effectively in the foreign language through activities in listening and speaking, reading, and writing. A wide variety of themes are covered which include topics of current interest to teenagers. These relate to lifestyle issues such as friendships and family, sport and leisure, media, your local region, health and fitness, school life and the world of work.  Through the course you will:

Recognise and respond to key information, important themes, and ideas in extended spoken text, including authentic sources.

Take part in a conversation, asking and answering questions, and exchanging opinions.

Develop translation skills into and out of French.

Identify the overall message, key points, details, and opinions in a variety of short and longer written passages, involving some more complex language and recognising the relationship between past, present, and future events

Produce writing of extended length to present facts and express ideas and opinions appropriately for different purposes and in different settings.

Develop a knowledge and understanding of more complex grammar.

Assessment

Paper 1: Listening (Exam 25%)

Understanding and responding to different types of spoken language. Answers in English and in French as well as non-verbal.

Paper 2: Speaking (Exam 25%)

A speaking examination involving a role-play, responding to a photograph and a general conversation on the themes covered during the course.

Paper 3: Reading (Exam 25%)

Understanding and responding to different types of written language. Answers in English and in French. There is also a translation into English.

Paper 4: Writing (Exam 25%)

A written examination containing essays on the themes covered as well as translation into French.

Where can it lead?

Learning a language is a skill for life and opens new opportunities to work, study, or travel abroad. Many students go on to study the subject at A-level and university. Once students have begun to master one language, they are eager to develop their ability in others. Your transferrable skills will most certainly be valued by employers across all sectors including marketing, journalism, business sales and publishing.