A Level French

How is the course externally examined?

French A Level has 3 exams which take place at the end of the course.

Paper 1: (50%)

• Listening and reading with non-verbal/French responses
• Translation both ways (minimum 100 words)

Paper 2: (20%)

• Writing, 2 essays of approx. 300 words each, 1 text, 1 film.

Paper 3: (30%)

• Speaking, 21-23 mins total inc. 5 mins prep time
• Discussion of 1 sub-theme, based on stimulus card (5-6 mins)
• Independent research project presentation (2mins)
• Independent research project discussion (9-10mins)

How is the course internally assessed?

Year 12

At the beginning of the year, students will complete an initial assessment focused on their foundational grammar knowledge. This will be re-sat at the end of the first half-term as an induction assessment, to ensure sufficient progress has been made before moving on to A Level examination techniques.

In the December mock series, students will sit components of Paper 1 (Listening, Reading and Translation). Throughout Term 2, assessments will cover both Paper 1 and Paper 2, which includes essay writing on the film studied in class.

In June, students will sit a full Year 12 mock examination covering all three papers and assessing content covered throughout Year 12:

• Paper 1 (Listening, Reading and Translation)
• Paper 2 (Essay on the film studied)
• Paper 3 (Speaking), which will be conducted one-to-one with the class teacher

Year 13

In the December mock series, students will sit all three A Level papers. In March, they will sit Paper 1 and Paper 2 again as part of a second mock series. The final A Level Speaking exam (Paper 3) will take place after the Easter break, typically in early May.