French A Level (AQA)

Applications Open: 13 November 2025

Applications Close: tbc

Entry Requirements Applicants must achieve a grade 4 in English Language or English Literature, and Mathematics, in addition to the minimum requirements in their chosen subjects.

New for 2026 - A level 2 pathway of Horticulture (alongside Maths/English resits and employability skills)

How to Apply Please apply via KentChoices or email T6signup@turnerschools.com

Studying French not only opens doors to a further understanding of the language itself but also to future studies in other languages. It is an exciting and invaluable skill and demonstrates so much more than simply being able to learn vocabulary. Studying French at A level demonstrates resilience and tenacity; a willingness to explore and broaden one’s horizons and discover new cultures and ways of thinking along the way. Universities are actively looking for students with language skills and there are always opportunities to further develop your language skills alongside many other disciplines of degree. Studying French gives you’ another string to your bow’ and can open doors to employment. People who use a language in their job earn on average up to 8% more and you don’t have to move abroad to use your skills so ‘it pays’ to continue with your language studies. A level study covers the four key skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing and you will aim to improve your fluency and accuracy in all of these.

The A Level course is divided into three assessed units. 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: Aspects of French speaking society: current trends (Family structure; Cyber society, charity work) Artistic culture in French speaking countries (Music; Media; Festivals and traditions) Aspects of French speaking society: current issues (Multiculturalism, crime, exclusion, positive features of a diverse society) Aspects of political life & artistic culture in French speaking countries (Political engagement, immigration, strikes, cinema & art)

Unit Paper 1

Title - Listening, reading and writing to include translation.

Weighting 50%

Unit Paper 2

Title - A written paper responding to questions on a prescribed text and film studied in class

Weighting 20%

Unit Paper 3

Title - Speaking exam largely based on a project that the student has researched independently and coming from the themes listed

Weighting 30%

In order to enrol onto Sixth Form courses, applicants will need to have achieved at least 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (or equivalent) including English Language or Literature. Some subjects may require higher grades.

It is a requirement that all students need to achieve a 4 in either GCSE English language or English literature to study at Sixth Form. If a 4 has or above has been achieved in English Literature but not in English Language students will be required to re-sit the English Language exam until they do so. Any pupil not achieving a 4 in Maths will be required to re-sit the exam until they do so.

The transferable skills you will acquire during the study of French A level will hold you in good stead in many areas whether you choose to continue with your studies or enter employment. A wide range of topics are covered throughout the course from cyber society and voluntary work to political engagement and immigration. During your A level studies you will learn how to present and formulate arguments and debates in French; have extended discussions on literary and cultural topics and themes; research an individual area of interest and work in teams as well as individually.