A Level

In Winchester

Price on request

Description

  • Type

    A Level

  • Location

    Winchester

  • Duration

    2 Years

This course offers you the opportunity to improve your language skills whilst gaining an understanding of the contemporary society, cultural background and heritage of France. You will learn to speak and write at length in French about all aspects of society and culture in France. Enthusiasm and a commitment to learning are essential to language acquisition at this level. You should expect to.

Important information

Government funding available

Facilities

Location

Start date

Winchester (Hampshire)
See map
Owens Road, SO22 6RX

Start date

On request

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Course programme

AS/A2 FRENCH

Edexcel (1-2 years)

Minimum Entry Requirement

At least 5 GCSEs at grade A*-C, including Maths and English, plus a Grade B or above in French GCSE.

Course Content

This course offers you the opportunity to improve your language skills whilst gaining an understanding of the contemporary society, cultural background and heritage of France. You will learn to speak and write at length in French about all aspects of society and culture in France. Enthusiasm and a commitment to learning are essential to language acquisition at this level. You should expect to engage in whole class discussion, small group work and pair work.

AS Level

The course will move you on from GCSE covering the skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening. You will also gain a greater knowledge of grammatical structures and so develop accuracy in the language. Teaching is based on a thematic approach and the language is taught through a variety of contemporary issues, using a range of authentic resources. The general topic areas are; youth culture and concerns; lifestyle, health and fitness; travel, tourism, environmental issues; education and employment.

A2 Level

The course will enable you to develop your linguistic skills further whilst continuing to enhance your knowledge of the target language, country and culture. You will use the language to present viewpoints, develop, analyse and evaluate arguments both when speaking and writing. You will study aspects of the contemporary society and culture of France and other French-speaking countries. In addition to the AS topics you will study; customs, traditions and beliefs; national and International events; and literature and the arts.

Methods of Teaching

Lessons take place mainly in French and you will be working singly, in pairs or in small groups on a variety of activities including reading, note-taking, vocabulary extension work, grammar revision and extension. You will engage in many oral activities such as role-plays, discussions, presentations and debates. You will also have a weekly session with a French language assistant to further enhance your production of the spoken language. You will work in the Language Multi-media Centre to practise your listening skills.

Learning through independent active study is crucial to your progress, and carefully monitored programmes will support you in this.

Methods and Patterns of Assessment

The AS examination consists of 2 units:

Unit 1:Spoken Expression and Response (Speaking) - you will discuss a topic chosen from the general topic areas.

Unit 2:Understanding and Written Response (Listening, Reading and Writing) - Your understanding of recorded material and authentic texts is tested by a variety of short tasks. Writing skills are assessed through, e.g. a letter, report or article based on a short printed French-language stimulus.

The A2 examination consists of 2 further units:

Unit 3:Understanding and Spoken Response (Speaking) - You will discuss a variety of controversial issues.

Unit 4:Research, Understanding and Written Response - Your research and written skills are tested through 2 essays. A short translation from English into French allows you to show your ability to manipulate the grammar.

Financial Implications

Students are loaned some materials but will need to purchase their own textbook and dictionary for use at home.

Study Visits Abroad €" The oral examinations account for a high percentage of the total mark. We therefore strongly encourage students to visit a country in which French is spoken. An optional study trip takes place annually and the inclusive cost is approximately £600 (excluding pocket money).

The College has a Student Support Fund for those students who have difficulty meeting these costs.

Career Possibilities

French can be studied in combination with any other course in higher education from Humanities to Science as well as Business, Law or Accountancy for example. Many courses including those in the sciences will offer students with good language skills the chance to take part of their degree course abroad. Graduates in modern languages are in short supply and employers are increasingly keen to recruit people with language skills.

A2 French

Price on request