French (A Level)

Applications Open – 3PM Thursday 26th November 2026

Applications Close – August 2027

Entry Requirements – For Level 3 courses, students must have 5 or more Grade 4s at GCSE. No minimum entry for Level1/2 courses

How to Apply – Please apply via KentChoices

The A Level French course will give you confidence to speak and write the language fluently, while introducing you to key issues relevant to France and the French-speaking world. You will explore literature, film, and traditions, gaining a deeper understanding of the rich cultural heritage of the Francophone world. This course offers you the opportunity to develop your communication and comprehension skills, broaden your understanding of diverse cultures, and enhance your employment prospects both locally and globally.

Studying A Level French not only provides you with a solid foundation for further study, work, training, or leisure, but it also opens doors to a range of exciting opportunities. The skills you acquire in language learning are highly sought after by employers, with 78% of businesses in the UK recognising the benefits of bilingual employees. Furthermore, language graduates enjoy enhanced job prospects, with 90% finding employment within six months of graduating from university.

The four skill areas of GCSE - listening, speaking, reading and writing - are refined and developed to

improve fluency, spontaneity and accuracy. The lessons are conducted in the target language as much as is appropriate. You will practise all skills using current materials and resources based on the varied themes. These materials will include film, television, podcasts as well as literature, The A Level course is divided into three assessed units:

Paper 1: Listening, Reading and Writing to include translation (50% of total GCE / 100 marks)

Paper 2: A written paper responding to questions on a prescribed text and film studied in class (20% of total GCE / 80 marks)

Paper 3: Speaking Examination largely based on a project that the student has researched independently and coming from the themes listed below (30% of total GCE / 60 marks)

Papers 1 and 3 are based on the study of four themes. The themes address a range of social issues and trends, as well as the political and artistic culture of France and French-speaking countries:

1. Aspects of French - speaking society: current trends (family structure, cyber society, charity work)

2. Artistic culture in French - speaking countries (music, media, festivals & traditions)

3. Aspects of French - speaking society: current issues (multiculturalism, crime, exclusion, positive

features of a diverse society)

4. Aspects of political life & artistic culture in French - speaking countries (political engagement,

immigration, strikes, cinema & art)

Linear 2-year A-level course

The lessons are conducted in the target language as much as is appropriate. You will practise all skills using current materials and resources based on the varied themes. These materials will include film, television, podcasts as well as literature, The A Level course is divided into three assessed units.

Paper 1: Listening, Reading and Writing to include translation (50% of total GCE / 100 marks)

Paper 2: A written paper responding to questions on a prescribed text and film studied in class (20% of total GCE / 80 marks)

Paper 3: Speaking Examination largely based on a project that the student has researched independently and coming from the themes listed below (30% of total GCE / 60 marks)

Papers 1 and 3 are based on the study of four themes. The themes address a range of social issues and trends, as well as the political and artistic culture of France and French-speaking countries:

5 GCSEs at 4 or above, including French

A Level French is a well-respected qualification. It is classed as a ‘Facilitating Subject’ which means it will look good on a UCAS or job application.

A-Level French significantly enhances global employability. Proficiency in French is a valuable asset in international business, making individuals more competitive in a global job market. Some examples of careers and roles where a French A level will help you include: Customer service, Tech support, Sales and marketing, Publishing, Translation services, Copywriting, Journalism, Civil service, Nursing and healthcare