Course Overview
Please note: you will make your selection of three A Levels once you have progressed into the application process.
On this course not only will you build on your previous study and develop your listening, reading, speaking and writing skills gained at GCSE, but also you will develop your knowledge and cultural understanding of France and the French-speaking world.
In your first year, you watch and study a French film, while in your second year you will study a novel in the target language and choose an area of personal interest to research and present during your speaking exam. Your chosen topic should relate to a country or communities where French is spoken and offers you the opportunity to deepen your cultural awareness.
Topics may include:
- Recent changes in family structures, marriage, and divorce
- Education systems and the world of work
- Various types of francophone music over the last few decades
- The changing nature and role of the media
- Festivals and traditions
- Benefits and challenges relating to immigration and integration
- The recent rise of the far-right
- WW2: life in occupied France, the Vichy regime, and the Resistance.
Assessment Methods
You will be assessed through listening, reading, writing and speaking examinations, with regular internal assessment taking place as the course unfolds.
Your final A Level exam will be made up of two exam papers and one speaking test covering the entire programme.
Progression Options
The large majority of our students go on to university with many studying French combined with another subject. Some choose to take a gap year in a French-speaking country before heading to university, others might choose a university course that includes a year or a semester abroad.
You could even decide to work and live in France or a French-speaking country to practise and improve your language skills further.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
The Student Experience Team can mentor and signpost students who are struggling with a range of issues that are negatively impacting their day-to-day life. The Student Experience Team works closely with the Safeguarding & Lifestyle Teams to promote proactive wellbeing enrichment sessions. The team can refer on to counselling when appropriate.
We provide top-quality workshops and teaching areas across our Colleges for subjects such as art, design and media, hair and beauty, catering, automotive engineering and construction. You can review our campus facilities by navigating to the “College Life” section of our websites.
For us, the success of our students always comes first. By investing in our built environment, we are investing in your future.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
The Safeguarding Team can offer advice and guidance on anything that may be affecting your young person and their studies – no problem is too big or too small!
Please email our Safeguarding team at staysafe@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. If you query is urgent, please come to the College Reception and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Officer.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.
