French A Level 3

For students applying from other schools please see the information below.

For existing students at OPGS - you will be applying internally and will receive separate instructions

Applications Open - 11th December 2025

Applications Close - 30th January 2026

Entry Requirements:-

Students achieving a minimum of at least six GCSEs (9 – 5) of which at least four are at a grade 6 (or equivalent).

In addition, students must meet subject entry requirements, which in most cases require a minimum of Grade 6 in the subject to be studied, or related subjects. Some subjects will require a grade 7 or higher. Please see school website (https://www.opgs.org) for entry requirements needed for individual A level subjects.

Students must also achieve a minimum of a grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics.

Typically, we would expect students following essay-based subjects to gain at least a grade 6 in English Language and students following scientific courses to gain at least a grade 7 in Mathematics.

The school shall determine which grades at 6 are required when A level subjects requested have not been taken at GCSE Level.

Priority will be given to existing pupils transferring from Year 11 who meet the entrance criteria

How to Apply

Students should select three or four A level subjects and include a 4th/5th as a reserve subjects. Please list your subjects in priority order and indicate which is your reserve choice.

Subject Choice

In choosing your subjects for A level you need to find out about the syllabus, examination requirements, coursework and the approach to study. Choose subjects that interest you and think carefully about the range and combination of subjects you would like to study. You may also wish to consider requirements for Higher Education or career paths.

Students should also note that the school cannot guarantee courses will run if there are not enough applicants. It is also possible that, in some subjects, numbers will have to be limited.

Linear Course: The A Level in French gives students the opportunity to develop and deepen their awareness and understanding of the language, as well as the cultural knowledge of the countries and communities where the language is spoken.

Students will be assessed by three exams and they will focus on varied aspects of the French language which will be covered during the course and in preparation for the three parts of the assessment.

Paper 1: Listening, reading and translation

Students will be assessed on their understanding of spoken and written French from a variety of types of authentic texts and listening material, as well as their ability to translate accurately from French into English. Texts and recordings vary in length to include some extended passages. All spoken and written materials are culturally relevant to France and French-speaking countries and are drawn from the four main themes.

Students should be able to:

● understand main points, gist and detail from spoken and written material

● infer meaning from complex spoken and written material

● assimilate and use information from spoken and written sources, including material from online media

● summarise information from spoken sources, reporting key points and subject matter

● translate from French into English.

Paper 2: Written response to works and translation

Students should be able to:

● develop a detailed understanding and appreciation of the works studied, by writing critical and analytical responses in the language of study to the works, taken from a prescribed list provided

● produce responses that relate to features such as the form and the technique of presentation, key concepts and issues and the social context, as appropriate to the work studied

● present viewpoints; develop arguments; persuade; and analyse and evaluate

● manipulate language accurately through translating an unseen passage from English into French. Students must study two discrete French works: either two literary texts, or one literary text and one film. The works must be taken from a prescribed list of texts and films. The literary texts listed include a range of novels, plays and a series of short stories. All of the films are feature length. The content of the translation will be a passage based on one of the four themes.

Paper 3: Speaking

Students should be able to demonstrate:

● knowledge and understanding of the cultural context by giving ideas, examples and information on one of the themes and on a chosen subject of interest they have researched linked to the social and cultural context of the language studied

● the ability to analyse aspects of the cultural context by presenting and justifying valid arguments, viewpoints and conclusions

● the ability to interact and hold a natural and fluent discourse skill in manipulating language accurately

● the ability to respond to written language in speech. These aspects are assessed via two distinct tasks conducted entirely in the target language, which are carried out in consecutive order in one session.

The course will cover four main themes throughout the two years:

● Thème 1 : Les changements dans la société française

● Thème 2 : La culture politique et artistique dans les pays francophones

● Thème 3 : L’immigration et la société multiculturelle française

● Thème 4 : L’Occupation et la Résistance

Written examination

80 marks

2 hours Listening

30 marks

Reading

30 marks

Translation into English

20 marks 40% of total A Level

Written examination

120 marks

2 hour 40 minutes Translation into French

20 marks

Written response to works (literary texts)

50 marks

Written response to works (films)

50 marks 30% of total A Level

Speaking

72 marks

21-23 minutes Discussion of a theme

30 marks

Independent research presentation and discussion

42 marks

30% of total A Level

Six 9-5 GCSE grades with at least four at grade 6

A minimum of a grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics

Grade 7 in GCSE French

Typically, we would expect students following essay-based subjects to gain at least a grade 6 in English Language and students following scientific courses to gain at least a grade 7 in Mathematics.

You could take this course with other Advanced level course or equivalent to prepare for higher education in French, Languages or more general higher education courses. With further training, you could go into a job related to French or Languages such as a Teacher, Translator, or you may wish to use your French to study or work over in France. The course will also help you develop the skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for, especially in the travel and tourism sector.