A Level French

Applications Open - 1st November 2026

Applications Close - 12th February 2027

Entry Requirements - Please refer to the Sixth Form Course Directory via the website www.knoleacademy.org

Option blocks and detailed subject information can be found in our course directory on our website www.knoleacademy.org

How to Apply - Via Kent Choices https://www.kentprospectus.co.uk/login

Level 3 Courses - select a minimum of 3 courses to study

Level 2 Courses - select 1 course only as each course is studied on a full time basis.

A Level French is normally studied over two years and builds on the language and skills developed at GCSE. The course combines practical language learning with the study of contemporary society, culture and twentieth-century French history.

You will work with authentic spoken and written French, improve your grammar and vocabulary, practise translation in both directions and learn to express and justify ideas in greater depth. You will also study two prescribed works: either two literary texts, or one literary text and one film.

For the speaking assessment, you will complete an independent research project on a subject connected with the culture or society of a French-speaking country or community. This gives you the opportunity to investigate an area that interests you and discuss your findings in French.

Theme 1 – Les changements dans la société française

Changes in French society, including changes in family life, education and the world of work.

Theme 2 – La culture politique et artistique dans les pays francophones

Political and artistic culture in French-speaking countries, including music, the media, festivals and traditions.

Theme 3 – L'immigration et la société multiculturelle française

Immigration and multicultural French society, including the positive impact of immigration, integration, marginalisation and attitudes towards immigration.

Theme 4 – L'Occupation et la Résistance

France during the Second World War, including the Occupation, collaboration, the Vichy regime and the French Resistance.

Alongside these themes, you will study French grammar and vocabulary in depth and regularly practise listening, reading, speaking and writing. You will also develop translation skills and learn how to analyse a French-language literary text and, depending on your course choices, a film.

The qualification is assessed through three components, all completed in the same examination series. There is no written coursework.

Paper 1, 2 hours: Listening, Reading and Translation, 40% weighting. Includes listening comprehension, reading comprehension and translation from French into English

Paper 2, 2 hours and 40 minutes: Written response to works and translation, 30% weighting. Translation from English into French and two analytical essays on prescribed works: either two literary texts, or one literary text and one film

Paper 3, 21-23 minutes including 5 minutes preparation; Speaking, 30% weighting. A discussion based on a course theme, followed by a presentation and discussion of an independent research project.

Minimum of 5 9-5 grades in GCSE examinations including English and Maths. Students are expected to have a grade 6 or above in French

• Journalism and media

• Education

• Science

• Medicine

• Civil Service

• Sales and marketing

• Retail

• Charity

• Working abroad