Secondary School
Sixth Form > Our Pathways
If you are looking for a future using communication skills, interpersonal skills, problem-solving, teamwork, organisational skills and independence, as well as excellent job prospects, then a modern language is for you. Languages are a personal skill and as such are an enriching experience with plenty of added value.
Examination Board: Edexcel Pearson
Specification Number: 9FR0
Sixth Form > Our Pathways
If you are looking for a future using communication skills, interpersonal skills, problem-solving, team-work, organisational skills and independence, as well as excellent job prospects, then a modern language is for you. Languages are a personal skill and as such are an enriching experience with plenty of added value.
A qualification in AS or A2 French is very highly regarded by universities.
Examination Board EDUQAS
Specification Number:
Theme 1 is set in the context of France only. This theme covers social issues and trends.
Theme 2 is set in the context of Francophone countries and communities. This theme covers artistic culture (through music and festivals and traditions) and political and artistic culture (through media).
Theme 3 is set in the context of France only. This theme covers social issues and trends.
A minimum of 5 9-5 GCSE grades, which must include a grade 5 or above in either English Language or English Literature. If students do not have a grade 4+ in GSCE Maths they will be required to re-sit this qualification.
Students must be prepared to work long hours outside lesson time to regularly review the topics covered.
Written examination: 2 hours
40% of the qualification
80 marks
This paper draws on vocabulary and structures across all four themes. Themes are based on the society and culture of the language being studied and are listed on pages 8–9.
Students are not permitted access to a dictionary during the examination.
The examination is made up of:
A listening assessment based on a recording, featuring male and female French speakers. Students will respond to comprehension questions based on a variety of contexts and sources.
The listening audio files for the sample assessment materials are available on our website.
A reading assessment based on a variety of text types and genres where students will have to respond to comprehension questions.
An unseen passage to be translated from French to English.
Written examination: 2 hours and 40 minutes
30% of the qualification
120 marks
This paper draws on the study of two discrete French works: either two literary texts, or one literary text and one film. The works must be taken from the list provided in Appendix 2: Prescribed literary texts and films. The literary texts listed include a range of novels, plays and a series of short stories. All of the films are feature length.
This paper includes a translation exercise and two essays on either two literary texts, or one literary text and one film (students must not answer questions on two films).
Students are not permitted access to a dictionary or any documentation relating to the works during the examination.
Students translate an unseen passage from English into French.
Students must write an extended response on either one or two of the literary texts listed in Appendix 2: Prescribed literary texts and films.
Students select one question from a choice of two for each of their chosen literary text(s). If a student answers questions on two literary texts then they do not complete Section C.
Students who answer only one question from a literary text in Section B must now write an extended response on one of the films listed in Appendix 2: Prescribed literary texts and films.
Students select one question from a choice of two for their chosen film.
Internally conducted and externally assessed
Total assessment time: between 21 and 23 minutes, which includes a single period of 5 minutes’ formal preparation time
30% of the qualification
72 marks
Task 1 draws on vocabulary and structures across all four themes (listed on pages 8–9). Task 2 is based on independent research selected and carried out by the student. The research may be based on one of the themes or on the student’s own subject of interest related to the society and culture of the language studied.
Students will be assessed on their ability to use a range of language accurately, communicate and interact effectively, summarise and analyse findings from written sources relating to their research subject, and show knowledge and understanding about the culture and society where the language is spoken.
Students complete two tasks. Task 1 is worth 30 marks and Task 2 is worth 42 marks.
Students discuss one theme from the specification based on a stimulus containing two different statements.
Students present a summary of at least two of the written sources they have used for their research and give a personal response to what they have read.
Students answer questions on their presentation and then have a wider discussion on their research.
Language study gives you invaluable practical and transferable skills for the future. You may choose to specialise in French at university or combine your language with other subjects such as Engineering, Management and Business Studies, Teaching, Fashion Design, Travel and Hospitality Management, Accountancy, European Studies, or even Medicine. Many A level language students also take advantage of spending some time abroad after their examinations.
You can visit the language gap and also like their Facebook page for more information on careers.
1) Read the specification and know what is expected of you during the 2 year course:
2) Know your basic verbs and grammar rules:
Mrs S Boddison
Wood Green Academy is an 11-19 over-subscribed National Support School specialising in Sport, Maths and Computing.