COURSES

French
Overview
Looking for a stimulating course to study at AS or
A2 Then look no further. If you love cinema, fashion,
food, literature, sport or technology, then French is
the language for you.
On the other hand, perhaps you are thinking about
a career in diplomacy, or an important international
organisation. Once again, French is highly sought
after.
French is one of the major languages for
communication. Almost 220 million people have
French as their mother tongue or are fluent in it
and around 85 million young people and adults are
learning it worldwide. French is also the second
language of the EU and one of the United Nations
principal working languages, one of the two official
languages of the International Olympic Committee
and the African Union’s main language.
In the fields of aeronautics and civil engineering,
hospitality, tourism, luxury goods and fashion,
French is associated with high levels of expertise,
technology and modernity. Although less widely
spoken than Chinese or Hindu, alongside English,
it is the only language present on five continents.
Approach
The standard required at AS and A2 is a great deal
more rigorous than at GCSE, although it builds upon
material studied in Years 10 and 11. Good listening
and speaking skills are necessary, as is a logical
mind which copes well with learning grammar and
vocabulary. At A2, the ability to write well-structured
essays and an enjoyment of literature or film is
an advantage.
Although pupils are guided by their tutors, they can
benefit from today’s exciting modern technologies
such as internet streaming and iPads so as to
personalise and enrich their learning in the classroom.
Pupils will be expected to personalise their learning,
particularly through regular listening and reading in
French outside lessons.
Assessment is by terminal exam with two units at
AS and two at A2 level. At both levels, there is a
combined listening, reading and writing paper and a
separate speaking exam. For AS, the speaking exam
accounts for 30% of the overall mark, while the
combined paper accounts for 70%. For both units
at A2 the same weighting applies.
Still not convinced Then, perhaps the chance to
converse with our two French assistants, our
interactive, internet-based course, the possibility of
a role in the French play or the prospect of a gap
year spent in an Alpine ski chalet or on the Cote
d’Azur will persuade you. Alternatively, did you know
that the class of 2013 achieved an impressive 100%
A*-C and many have progressed to top Russell
Group universities A toi de décider.
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Millfield Sixth Form Courses 2014-2015