A Level French Course
Ashbourne’s A level French students are encouraged from the very start to immerse themselves in the language to build their confidence and fluency and achieve excellent final results.
Ashbourne’s A level French students are encouraged from the very start to immerse themselves in the language to build their confidence and fluency and achieve excellent final results.
French is one of the most widely learned languages in the world and spoken by more than 200 million people in four different continents – so you will be in good company.
Being able to speak French will allow you to work for some of the world’s major organisations in which French is an official language including the United Nations, the European Union, UNESCO, NATO, the World Trade Organization and the International Red Cross.
There are many French companies too operating around the world in a wide range of fields including media, finance, industry, tourism and sport. And if you are interested in cooking, fashion, theatre, arts, dance and architecture then you will also be well catered for.
The practical learning of French will help improve your communication and critical thinking skills thus having a positive impact on your other studies. And you will find it easier to go on to learn other latin-based Romance Languages like Spanish, Italian and Portuguese.
The expertise of my teachers helped me expand my knowledge in various subjects, while their support and encouragement gave me the confidence to challenge myself intellectually. Kerry, French and Management, Kings College London
Every year Ashbourne students have the chance to visit a major European city, such as Paris, Rome, Athens and Madrid, during the Spring half term. The trip is an extremely popular cultural experience and a great opportunity for A level French students. It is also a real highlight of many students’ time at Ashbourne.
Modern Language degrees and European Studies are very popular courses at university. You will find French an essential for applying to such courses and also for linguistics and comparative literature. Modern languages are so desirable that you will find a wealth of combined degree courses where you can study French alongside academic subjects like Law, History, Business and other modern languages.
You will find many opportunities to put your French to good use before, during or after university either living and working in France, taking holiday jobs in popular resorts for example, or working for big organisations like the European commission.
1. How is A-level French assessed?
Assessment includes exams testing listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Students also complete analytical essays on set literature and film, reflecting both language skills and cultural knowledge.
2. Which exam board specification does Ashbourne follow?
We follow the AQA specification for both AS and A-level French. The course focuses on speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, alongside cultural, social, and political themes.
3. What topics are covered in A-level French?
Students study themes such as changes in French society, politics and culture in the Francophone world, immigration and multiculturalism, and the Occupation and Resistance during World War II. These are explored through current affairs, music, media, and history.
4. Does A-level French include literature and film study?
Yes. Students analyse classic French texts such as L’Étranger by Albert Camus and Les Mains Sales by Jean-Paul Sartre, as well as films like La Haïne and Au Revoir les Enfants. This deepens cultural understanding and improves language skills.