French A Level

***** UPDATE FOR SEPTEMBER 2026 ENTRY *****

Thank you for your interest in our sixth form. We are no longer accepting applications. If you would like to be considered for a course in September, please take the following steps:

Current Sittingbourne School Students please speak to a member of the Sixth Form Team when you come to pick up your GCSE results on Thursday 20th August.

Students from other schools please bring us a paper copy of your results sheet on Friday 21st August 2026 between 10am and 12pm. Unfortunately we cannot accept a photograph of your results. Please come to the main school reception at Swanstree Avenue, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 4NL.

Applications Open: Monday 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: Friday 17th July 2026

Entry Requirements: Our general entry requirements are:-

• A Levels – advanced courses, two year study programme, with an average entry requirement of at least five grade 5+ qualifications, including English and mathematics. Some subjects may have additional entry requirements.

• BTEC Level 3 – advanced courses, two year study programme, with an average entry requirement of at least five grade 4+ qualifications, including English and mathematics. Some subjects may have additional entry requirements.

• T Level - technical course, two year study programme, with an average entry requirement of at least five grade 5+ qualifications, including English and mathematics.

• BTEC Level 2 – One year programme, which could lead on to further studies, with an average entry requirement at least five grade 2 or above, including English and mathematics.

How to Apply: Please apply via Kent Choices

If applying to T Level Engineering, please include a second choice set of subjects within the same application.

Course aims

In an increasingly interconnected world, knowledge of another language is essential. Studying languages like French opens doors to unique experiences through close engagement with diverse cultures. Spoken by around 275 million people worldwide today, French is a truly global language. With a projected 750 million speakers by 2050, the ability to speak French is a powerful asset.

The French A Level course enables students to elevate their communication skills while exploring the cultural, political, and social fabric of the Francophone world. It fosters an understanding of another culture and develops highly transferable skills valued by universities and employers, including, problem solving, critical thinking, open mindedness.

This course is ideal for students who are interested in exploring other cultures, expressing their views, and who believe that as global citizens, we have a responsibility to build relationships across borders.

Course content

Throughout the 2 year course, students of French A Level will have a chance to explore and analyse social issues and trends that shape and influence the French-speaking world. Students will also learn about aspects of political and artistic culture, including music, media and the press, but also immigration, education as well as the French Occupation and Resistance. The course includes the study of both literature and film. It is a far reaching course that is bound to engage and enthuse learners who take an interest in the issues shaping and influencing our world.

Assessment

This course is wholly assessed through examination. There are three papers:

Paper 1: Reading, Translation and Listening

Paper 2: Writing

Paper 3: Speaking.

Additional Course Entry Requirements

In addition to the general requirements for access onto A Level courses students would be expected to achieve a grade 6 in French.

Progression and career opportunities

Language skills are highly transferable and will facilitate entry into a variety of employment sectors, such as travel and tourism, international diplomacy, education, law, international business and economics and many more. According to the British Council Report ‘Languages for the Future’, 49% of UK businesses look for employees who can speak French, meaning studying the language will be a huge asset to your career. Furthermore, those who speak a foreign language often earn more than their monolingual counterpart.