People are now pursuing their careers all over the world and thus the
ability to communicate in a foreign language and to appreciate varying cultures
is very important. At Reigate Grammar School, A Level French is studied by
students of every discipline.
There is scope and choice for study in all areas of interest from European
politics to French art, drama and literature, French media and environmental
issues. Considerable emphasis is laid on speaking skills and understanding what
is heard in French. The multi-media language learning centre ensures immediate
access to worldwide sources, interactive communication and all the developing
advantages of language laboratory teaching. There is weekly conversation
practice with the Foreign Language assistant and the students have the
opportunity to do work experience in France (generally during the first week of
October half-term). They are also encouraged to attend the various cultural
events that are offered.
The A Level course is a natural sequel to GCSE and is accessible to students
who have gained a B grade and above. It comprises four units;
Unit 1: Listening, Reading and Writing
Students listen to approximately 5 minutes of material which is within in their
individual control. There will be a task involving transfer of meaning into
English and 2 - 4 requiring short French or non-verbal responses.
The reading section requires French or non-verbal responses. There is also a
cloze test in which a given noun, verb or adjective must be manipulated.
In the writing section students respond to one question from a choice of three,
this comprises an essay of at least 200 words.
Unit 2: Speaking
Part 1: Discussion of a subject on a stimulus card (after 20 minutes
preparation time). There are responses to the questions on the card and then to
broader issues within the topic area of the stimulus.
Part 2: Conversation. The first topic is nominated by the student and the
examiner will introduce two other topics.
Unit 3: Listening, Reading and Writing, Writing.
Students listen to approximately 6 minutes of material which is within in their
individual control. There will be 3 – 5 items requiring short French or
non-verbal responses.
The reading and writing section comprises 2 – 4 short French or non-verbal
responses. There is also a task involving transfer of meaning from French into
English and a task involving transfer of meaning into English from French.
In the writing section students compose a piece of writing responding to a
selected question based on one of the Cultural Topic areas.
Unit 4: Speaking
Part 1: After 20 minutes preparation time students choose one of the two points
of view expressed on the stimulus card, then they present, defend and justify
this point of view.
Part 2: Conversation: this covers both Cultural Topics that they have studied.
Opportunities for university entrance are good and several students of French
have been accepted at Cambridge in recent years. In addition to dedicated
language courses at university, there are many varied courses combining
languages with other disciplines such as Law, Marketing, Management, Drama and
Art. French at A Level is both challenging and rewarding, offering a wide range
of experience and the invaluable development of social skills.
Exam board: AQA
Mme F Chartrain
Head of French