What is the course about?

The aims of the course are to integrate the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing in the development of linguistic competence to a high level. It is aimed at students who have acquired a sound competence in French and are keen to nurture it further. Students study technological and social change, looking at diversity and the benefits it brings. They will study highlights of French-speaking artistic culture, including francophone music and cinema, and learn about political engagement and who wields political power in the French-speaking world. 

Course content

Social issues and trends 

Students study the themes below in relation to at least one French-speaking country, using a range of sources, including material from online media. 

• The changing nature of family (La famille en voie de changement) 
  – The ‘cyber-society’ (La « cyber-société ») 
  – The place of voluntary work (Le rôle du bénévolat) 
• Aspects of French-speaking society: current issues 
  – Positive features of a diverse society (Les aspects positifs d’une société diverse) 
  – Life for the marginalised (Quelle vie pour les marginalisés ? ) 
  – How criminals are treated (Comment on traite les criminels) 

Political and artistic culture 

Students study the themes below in relation to at least one French-speaking country. 

• Artistic culture in the French-speaking world 
  – A culture proud of its heritage (Une culture fière de son patrimoine)
  – Contemporary francophone music (La musique francophone contemporaine) 
  – Cinema: the 7th art form (Cinéma : le septième art).
• Aspects of political life in the French-speaking world 
  – Teenagers, the right to vote and political commitment (Les ados, le droit de vote et l’engagement politique)
  – Demonstrations, strikes – who holds the power? (Manifestations, grèves – à qui le pouvoir ? ) 
  – Politics and immigration (La politique et l’immigration).
• Literary texts and films
  Students study either one text and one film, or two texts, from a list. 

Assessment

• Paper 1 – 2 hour 30 minute written exam (listening, reading and writing). 50%
• Paper 2 – 2 hour written exam. 20%
• Paper 3 – 21-23 minute oral exam. 30%

Career pathways

An aptitude for languages is widely recognised as being of great importance and languages can be combined with most subjects at degree level. The facility to speak a second European language is considered to be a notable asset when applying for a role in almost every field of employment.

Entry criteria

Minimum of grade 6 in GCSE French.