French is the second most widely learned foreign language after English. A Level French is a highly respected academic qualification that will equip you to converse confidently as well as enrich your knowledge and skills base in English. Language study naturally enhances your confidence, communication skills and ability to problem solve (which stimulate brain function and memory). Language learning is a social skill and studying French at Poole High School will provide you with the opportunity to build friendships with Italian, Swiss or German students, who choose every year to study French at Poole High School. You will therefore be able to enjoy the practical application of what you are learning. Success in this course depends on a commitment to little and often practice, not being afraid to ‘have a go’ and make mistakes.
Departmental Courses
A Level French
The A-level specification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills gained at GCSE. It fosters a range of transferable skills including communication, critical thinking, research skills and creativity, which are valuable to the individual and society.
Year 12
The two themes over-arching the two-year course are: social issues and trends and political and artistic culture. In the first year, you will start with a phase of intensive grammar study linked to the content of the course. You will then develop all four skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking) whilst building your knowledge of aspects of french speaking society and artistic culture in the french-speaking world. You will also study a celebrated film or book (un sac de billes and la classe). At the end of the first year, you will start to plan your independent research study.
Year 13
In the second year, further aspects of the social background are covered, this time focusing on issues such as life for those on the margins of french-speaking society as well as looking at the positive influences that diversity brings. You will also study aspects of the political landscape in a french-speaking country. You will study the second celebrated work (book or film), as well as continuing with your independent research work and honing the four skills in preparation for the final examinations.
Assessment
Paper 1 listening, reading and writing based on the two themes studied (50% of a level).
Paper 2 writing based on the book and film studied (20% of a level).
Paper 3 speaking based on individual research project (30% of a level).
Who can I contact for help?
Mrs S Bannister (s.bannister@poolehigh.poole.sch.uk)
Learning a language at an advanced level will naturally increase your employability and your likelihood of travelling, living and working abroad, as france is the fifth biggest economy and top three locations for foreign investments. Learning how to speak french opens the doors to french companies in not only france, but also in other french-speaking parts of the world such as canada, switzerland, belgium, and north and sub-saharan africa. While you can benefit from knowing a foreign language with nearly every industry, here are the main highlights:
- Media(journalism) and film industry
- Tourism and travel services industry including airlines and hotels
- Banks and insurance companies
- Local, state and federal government
- International non-profit organizations
- Publishing companies
- Department of defense and international embassies.
- Representatives of foreign companies
- Health services
- Social services
- Immigration services
- Primary and secondary schools, universities, and colleges