What Is A Level French?

Thinking about taking A Level French? Wondering what you'd actually be studying for two years?

A Level French is far more than just learning vocabulary and grammar rules. You'll dive deep into French culture, watch films, read fascinating books, and develop serious language skills that will impress universities and employers.

I’ll break down exactly what A Level French is so you can decide whether it's right for you.

Key Takeaways

• What A Level French is: A two-year course covering French language, culture, society, and literature through speaking, listening, reading, and writing

• Assessment: Three written exams plus an oral exam, with no coursework component

• Big jump from GCSE: Much more complex grammar, sophisticated vocabulary, and cultural analysis required

• Perfect for: Students who love languages, enjoy cultural topics, and want to develop advanced communication skills

What Does A Level French Involve?

A Level French is a two-year course that develops your language skills to a high level.

You'll study with one of the main exam boards - AQA (opens in a new tab), Edexcel (opens in a new tab), or WJEC (opens in a new tab). They all cover similar ground with slight variations (OCR has withdrawn A Level French (opens in a new tab)).

The four key skills you'll master:

• Speaking - discussions, debates, and presentations

• Listening - understanding native speakers at normal speed

• Reading - tackling complex texts, literature, and articles

• Writing - essays, reports, and creative pieces

But here's what makes A Level French special: you're not just learning the language. You're exploring French and francophone culture, society, politics, and literature.

Think of the course as becoming a mini expert on the French-speaking world.

Themes and Topics You'll Study In A Level French

A Level French covers fascinating themes that'll open your eyes to French culture and society. Some boards even include francophone culture beyond France, such as Quebec or North Africa, making A Level French globally relevant.

Common themes include:

• French society - family life, education, work, and social issues

• Political and artistic culture - French politics, music, cinema, and art

• Immigration and multiculturalism - how France deals with diversity

• The Occupation and Resistance - France during World War II

• Aspects of French cinema - studying famous films and directors

You'll watch amazing films, such as:

• La Haine - about urban life and social tensions (1995)

• Au revoir les enfants - a moving wartime story (1987)

• Intouchables - comedy-drama about friendship across class divides (2007)

You’ll read excellent books, such as:

• No et moi by Delphine de Vigan (2007)

• Un sac de billes by Joseph Joffo (1973)

• Le Tartuffe by Molière (1664)

• L’Étranger by Albert Camus (1942)

Each school chooses one film and one book from extensive board lists to focus on for their study. 

These aren't just academic exercises though. You'll discuss real issues, debate different viewpoints, and develop your own opinions - all in French!

How Is A Level French Assessed?

A Level French assessment is split across two papers and one oral:

Paper 1: Listening, Reading and Writing (40-50%)

• Listening comprehension exercises

• Reading comprehension tasks

• Translation from French to English

• Grammar questions may be included

Paper 2: Written Response to Works and Translation (20-30%)

• Essay questions on the films and books you've studied

• Translation from English to French

• Tests your analytical and writing skills

Paper 3: Speaking (30%)

• Discussion of a stimulus card (based on themes you've studied)

• Conversation about your Independent Research Project

• All conducted with an examiner - entirely in French!

The exact format varies by board. You can check the details in Save My Exams A Level French Specifications. 

For your Independent Research Project (IRP), you can choose any topic linked to French-speaking culture for this (e.g. French cinema, immigration policy, Senegalese music). You carry out independent research and thinking using French and English sources (books, articles, interviews, websites, films), and prepare to be able to talk about it!

The IRP is assessed in the speaking exam like this: 

• You give a short introduction (~2 minutes) of your project, then answer questions from the examiner.

• You’re assessed on:

  • Depth of knowledge and understanding

  • How well you analyse and present arguments

  • Quality of your French (accuracy, fluency, pronunciation)

The speaking exam might sound scary, but you'll have plenty of practice throughout the course.

Apart from that, there's no coursework component, so everything depends on how you perform in these final exams.

A Level French vs. GCSE French

The jump from GCSE French to A Level French is significant. This is why most schools ask for a Grade 6 or above at GCSE French. Some even require Grade 7. 

Blogger Gabija Barkute (opens in a new tab), for example, found that ‘it was the subject that I felt the greatest jump from GCSE in terms of difficulty’. 

Here's what changes.

Grammar complexity

• GCSE: Present, past, and future tenses mainly

• A Level: Subjunctive, conditional, complex sentence structures

Vocabulary expectations

• GCSE: Around 2,000-3,000 words

• A Level: 5,000+ words including sophisticated, abstract terms

Cultural content

• GCSE: Basic topics like food, holidays, school life

• A Level: Deep analysis of films, literature, and social issues

Independence

• GCSE: Guided practice and scaffolded tasks

• A Level: Independent research, critical thinking, and original arguments

Assessment style

• GCSE: Multiple choice, short answers, basic writing

• A Level: Extended essays, complex translations, sophisticated discussions

The good news? If you enjoyed GCSE French and got a good grade (usually grade 6 or above), you already have the foundation for success at A Level.

Is A Level French Right for You?

A Level French isn't for everyone, It is one of the harder A Level options. but it's brilliant if you:

• Love languages and communication: You enjoy expressing yourself and understanding others

• Are curious about other cultures: Francophone society, politics, and arts genuinely interest you

• Have a good memory: Vocabulary building is a big part of language learning

• Enjoy reading and watching films: Much of the course involves analysing texts and movies

• Don't mind speaking in front of others: The oral exam requires confidence and fluency

• Are willing to work consistently: Languages need regular practice - you can't cram everything the night before

Consider whether you:

• Got at least a grade 6 in GCSE French

• Enjoy discussing ideas and forming opinions

• Have time for regular vocabulary learning

• Can handle abstract concepts and cultural analysis

If this sounds like you, A Level French could be perfect!

Tips to Succeed in A Level French

Want to smash A Level French? Here's how to set yourself up for success:

• Immerse yourself in French media: Watch French Netflix shows with subtitles, listen to French podcasts, follow French YouTubers

• Read French news websites: BBC Afrique, Le Monde, and Ouest-France are great starting points

• Speak French whenever possible: Talk to yourself, find conversation partners online, or join language exchange groups

• Master your vocabulary systematically: Use apps like Anki (opens in a new tab)or Quizlet (opens in a new tab) for spaced repetition learning 

• Practice translation regularly: Both French to English and English to French - it's harder than it looks

• Stay on top of grammar: Use resources like Tex's French Grammar (opens in a new tab) or Collins Easy Learning French Grammar

• Create mind maps for themes. Connect vocabulary, ideas, and examples for each topic you study

• Watch your films and read your books multiple times: You'll spot new details and develop deeper understanding each time

• Form study groups: Practice conversations and discussions with classmates

Resources for French A Level on Save My Exams are there to help.

Where Can A Level French Take You?

A Level French opens loads of doors for your future.

University options:

• Modern Languages degrees (French, French with another language)

• International Relations or European Studies

• Business with French

• Translation and Interpreting Studies (opens in a new tab)

• Combined degrees (French with History, Law, Engineering, etc.)

Career possibilities:

• Translator or interpreter

• International business and trade

• Tourism and hospitality management

• Teaching (in UK or abroad)

• Diplomatic service or civil service

• Journalism and media

• Working for multinational companies

Added benefits:

• Studying or working abroad becomes much easier

• You'll stand out in job applications

• Universities love language A Levels - they show intellectual curiosity

• You'll earn good UCAS points (A Level French typically gets the same points as other A Levels)

• Opens doors to the entire francophone world (France, Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, parts of Africa)

Even if you don't use French directly in your career, the skills you develop, such as communication, cultural awareness, analytical thinking - are valuable everywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is A Level French hard?

A Level French is challenging but definitely achievable. The jump from GCSE is significant, but if you enjoyed GCSE French and got a good grade, you can succeed. The key is consistent practice and staying engaged with French outside lessons.

Do I need to study French at GCSE to take it at A Level?

Yes, you'll need GCSE French (usually grade 6 or above) to take A Level French. The course builds directly on GCSE knowledge, so you need that foundation to cope with the increased complexity.

Can A Level French help me study abroad?

Absolutely! A Level French opens doors to studying in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, and other francophone countries. Many universities offer exchange programmes, and French language skills make applications much stronger.

What's the best way to prepare for the speaking exam?

Practice speaking regularly throughout the course, not just before the exam. Discuss the themes you're studying, record yourself speaking, and get comfortable expressing opinions in French. The more you speak, the more natural it becomes.

Ready to Take the Plunge?

A Level French is an amazing journey into language, culture, and critical thinking.

Yes, it's challenging. You'll need to work consistently and push yourself beyond your comfort zone. But if you love languages and want to develop skills that'll benefit you for life, A Level French could be perfect.

You'll watch brilliant films, read fascinating books, debate important issues, and become fluent in one of the world's most beautiful languages.

Plus, you'll join the ranks of students who can confidently say "Je parle français" - and actually mean it!

References 

• AQA (opens in a new tab) 

• Edexcel (opens in a new tab)

• WJEC (opens in a new tab)

• Tex's French Grammar (opens in a new tab)

• Translation and Interpreting Studies (opens in a new tab)