French A Level

A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language. You should have grade 5 or above in French or proven linguistic ability.

The ability to communicate in a foreign language is a very valuable asset in an increasingly globalised world.

Studying French, German or Spanish A Level will give you the opportunity to pursue your studies at a higher level at university or to use the skills you acquire to enhance your CV and employment prospects in a range of careers.

You will improve all the language skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing and translation through a variety of classroom-based and independent learning activities, whilst acquiring a thorough understanding of the grammar of the language.

Themes will include topics of social, cultural, political, or artistic importance and include the study of a film and a work of literature from a target language country. As part of the speaking assessment, you will undertake an independent research project where you will study an area of personal interest related to the countries where the language is spoken. During the course, you will have the opportunity to practise your language skills with a native-speaking assistant.

A final exam will include listening and reading comprehension, translation into English and into French and essays on literature and film. There will be a separate speaking test.

A language can be combined with almost any other subject at university and language graduates are sought after within many areas of employment. Most of our language students go to university and many choose to study a language, often combined with other subjects such as law, history or business. Some of our students work abroad or progress directly into employment. A recent student, who had studied two languages at A Level, secured a job with a local company dealing with international recruitment immediately after leaving college.

Opportunities for students include an exchange trip to the Champagne region of France.

You can apply online via the APPLY button and then add an additional two or three subjects to make up your academic programme. You can also apply for a second, alternative vocational programme of study via a separate application. If after reading this factsheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our open evenings, ring our Admissions Department on 01743 653111, or email admissions@scg.ac.uk