A Level French

Applications Open: - 11th November 2025

Applications Close: - 23rd January 2026 to allow us to build our curriculum. We will accept late applications beyond this date, but they may take longer to process.

Entry Requirements: - Vary by course please see individual subject information on this website. We also require students to achieve at least five Grade 5s or above at GCSE for Level 3 curriculum. For our Level 2 Pathway, students need to have five Grade 3s or above, inlcuding English and Maths

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices. Applications submitted by the end of January will have a decision on their offer by the 2nd April 2026.

We believe languages should appeal to all students. The AQA A Level French qualification has been designed to inspire students to develop their linguistic skills. The A-level specification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills gained at GCSE. It constitutes an integrated study with a focus on language, culture and society. It fosters a range of transferable skills including communication, critical thinking, research skills and creativity, which are valuable to the individual and society.

Students study technological and social change, looking at diversity and the benefits it brings. They will study highlights of French-speaking artistic culture, including francophone music and cinema, and learn about political engagement and who wields political power in the French-speaking world.

Students also explore the influence of the past on present-day French-speaking communities. Throughout their studies, they will learn the language in the context of French-speaking countries and the issues and influences which have shaped them. Students will study texts and film and have the opportunity to carry out independent research on an area of their choice.

Assessment tasks will be varied and cover listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.

Rewards creativity – the assessments place an emphasis on spontaneity and grammar, as well as providing plenty of opportunities for students to apply their knowledge independently and creatively. Clear mark schemes encourage students to develop ideas, use language to persuade and analyse, and give critical responses in their writing and speaking.

What skills will you develop by taking this qualification?

Enhance linguistic skills and promote and develop capacity for critical thinking on the basis of knowledge and understanding of the language, culture and society of the country or countries where the language is spoken.

Develop control of the language system to convey meaning, using spoken and written skills, including an extended range of vocabulary, for both practical and intellectual purposes as increasingly confident, accurate and independent users of the language.

Develop ability to interact effectively with users of the language in speech and in writing, including through online media to build fluency and confidence.

Engage critically with intellectually stimulating texts, films and other materials in the original language, developing an appreciation of sophisticated and creative uses of the language and understanding them within their cultural and social context.

Develop knowledge about matters central to the society and culture, past and present, of the country or countries where the language is spoken.

Be equipped with transferable skills such as autonomy, resourcefulness, creativity, critical thinking, and linguistic, cultural and cognitive flexibility that will enable you to proceed to further study or to employment.

Develop capacity for critical and analytical thinking through the language of study and act as independent researchers into the language of study.

Four engaging themes – studied alongside two works (one literary text and one film).

Theme 1: Aspects of French-speaking society:current trends - Family, Cyber society and The role of volunteering

Theme 2: Artistic culture in the French-Speaking world - A culture proud of its cultural heritage, Francophone music and A look into the cinema industry

Theme 3: Aspects of French-speaking society: current issues - Positive aspects of a diverse society, A study of marginalised people and A study of the justice system

Theme 4: Aspects of political life in the French-Speaking world - Politics and teenage rights, A study of striking in France and Politics and the immigration system

100% Exam

Paper 1: Listening, reading and writing (50%) Written examination: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Paper 2: Writing (20%) Written examination: 2 hours

Paper 3: Speaking (30%) Internally conducted and externally assessed, 21 - 23 minutes assessment with 5 minutes’ formal preparation time

Grade 6 or higher in GCSE French (higher tier only).