GCE ADVANCED LEVEL SUBJECT: French [EDEXCEL

GCE ADVANCED LEVEL SUBJECT: French [EDEXCEL]

Overview

This exciting and academic course encourages students to develop understanding of the spoken and written forms of French from a variety of registers, to communicate confidently, clearly and imaginatively in French through both the spoken and written word, using increasingly accurate, complex and varied language. Exposure to authentic materials from a variety of media including magazines, literary works, films, television and the internet forms an integral element of the course. Students will gain critical insights into contemporary France and into the cultural background and heritage of countries or communities where French is spoken and will develop positive attitudes to foreign language learning. Topic areas for ALevel French include aspects of French society such as the importance of family, the world of work, media, music, traditions, tourism, immigration, the rise of the extreme right, the Resistance, the German Occupation and the Vichy Regime. The course also provides a suitable foundation for further study and/or practical use of French as well as being a coherent, satisfying and worthwhile stand-alone course of study.

Course Description

Advanced Level Specification

Unit Unit Content

1 Listening, Reading and translation

Students will be assessed on their understanding of spoken and written French from a variety of types of authentic texts and listening material, as well as their ability to translate from French into English. • Listening & Reading examination (2 hrs) • Weighting: 40% A-Level

2 Written response to works and translation

Students will be assessed on how they can develop a detailed understanding and appreciation of the literary text and film studied, by writing a critical response related to features such as the form and the technique of presentation, key concepts and issues and the social context.

3 Speaking

Students will be asked to show knowledge and understanding of the cultural context by giving ideas and information as well as discussing one of the course Themes and a researched subject of interest linked to a French social and cultural context.

Assessment

• Written examination (2 hrs 40 m) • Weighting: 30% A-Level

Speaking examination (16 mins) Weighting: 30% A-Level

Career Path:

If studied at a UK university, all of the below would involve six months to a year working or studying in a French-speaking country

Single honours: the study of language, literature, history, politics, sociology, film, all in the target language

Joint honours: French and a second language

Course combinations: French and law/ business/ computer science/ economics & management/ international relations/ music/ English/ history/ geography/ philosophy/ politics/ classical studies/ film/ linguistics etc.

In today’s interconnected world, the art of communication is a distinct asset, whatever career path you choose. Beyond the obvious careers requiring a foreign language as a primary skill such as diplomacy, sales, interpreting, teaching and translating, there are many fields where speaking a foreign language is a highly desirable skill. These include publishing, the media, government services, banking, intelligence, travel and tourism, fashion, law, international marketing and real estate. The study of a language not only provides tangible communicative skills but also teaches general linguistic precision and an awareness of cultural differences.

Contact for further information:

Mr Cyril Rakoto: cyril.rakoto@tts.edu.sg