French & Spanish A Level Course Content

Aims of the A Level Course

By the end of the course, students will:

  • Develop written and spoken language and be able to use French/Spanish independently and a variety of contexts.
  • Develop an understanding of the countries and cultures where French/Spanish is spoken and the influence of France/Spain and its culture around the world.
  • Be confident studying texts and films in your chosen language, and critically analyse a variety of different cultural themes.
  • Develop the ability to argue, analyse and evaluate in speech and in writing.
  • Appreciate spiritual, moral, ethical, environmental, health and European issues.

The nature of the course allows students to develop critical skills and a wide understanding of the world around them and many of the important issues impacting daily life and future decisions, helping to prepare them for future studies and employment in a range of areas.

Topics at A Level: French

Throughout the course, you will study four main themes.

  • In theme 1, you will learn about changes in French society – the role of and changes to family life, education and the word of work and gender equality.
  • In theme 2, you will study political and artistic culture in the French speaking world including music, the media (and modern media) and festivals and traditions in French speaking countries.
  • Theme 3 looks at immigration and multi-cultural French society, and the advantages and challenges linked to immigration and the rise of the extreme right.
  • In theme 4, you will study an important period in French history – Nazi occupation and resistance.

In addition to this, we will have the opportunity study a popular French film (Intouchables) and a well-known and popular piece of French literature (L’étranger).

Assessment (Edexcel)

The course is assessed entirely by examination

  • Unit 1: Reading, listening and translation into English (40%)
  • Unit 2: Written response to works and translation (30%)
  • Unit 3: Speaking examination (30%)

For reasons why to study languages, please see our 'Why do AS/A Level?' page.

Topics at A Level: Spanish

Theme 1: Aspects of Hispanic Society – changes to family structures, cyberspace, equal rights

Theme 2: Artistic Culture in the Hispanic world – modern day idols, regional identity, cultural heritage

Theme 3: Multiculturalism – immigration, racism, integration

Theme 4: Political life in the Hispanic world – youth movements, monarchies and dictatorships, populism and popular movements

Plus a study of a novel and a film (subject to student discussions with teachers)

Assessment (AQA)

The course is assessed entirely by examination

Unit 1: Reading, listening and translation (50%)

Unit 2: Written response to works and translation (20%)

Unit 3: Speaking examination (30%)

October 2024

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