Why choose A level French?
A level French is a rewarding and enriching course that helps you become a confident communicator and a global thinker. You’ll build advanced language skills and explore the culture, politics, and daily life of French-speaking countries.
The course covers a range of engaging topics, including social issues and trends, political and artistic culture, and grammar. You’ll also have the option to study French literature and film.
Studying French at this level will boost your critical thinking, memory, and confidence. It will also help you become more open-minded and adaptable – qualities that are valued by universities and employers.
Whether you’re interested in travel, translation, international business, education, or diplomacy, A level French can open doors to exciting opportunities in the UK and beyond.
Course type: A level
Board: AQA
Entry requirements: Grade 6 or above in GCSE French
How will A level French be delivered?
You will learn through authentic materials such as news articles, podcasts, and videos that explore real-world language and global topics. You’ll debate current issues, develop your ideas, and express your views confidently. The course also includes studying a powerful film and engaging literary texts, bringing culture and storytelling to life.
| Unit | Content |
| 1: Social issues and trends | Explore social topics like family, education, and immigration in French-speaking societies |
| 2: Political and artistic culture | Study political life, activism, and cultural expressions such as art, music, and festivals |
| 3: Grammar | Develop a strong understanding of complex grammar to communicate accurately and fluently |
| 4: Literary texts and films | Analyse and discuss one French novel and one film, focusing on themes, characters, and context |
Assessment
A level French is assessed through three exam papers, taken at the end of the two-year course. Each paper tests different skills and together they make up 100% of the final grade.
Paper 1: Listening, reading and writing
- Written exam, 2 hours 30 minutes, 100 marks (50% of A level)
- Tests understanding of spoken and written French on society, culture, politics, and grammar
- Includes translation into English and French
Paper 2: Writing
- Written exam, 2 hours, 80 marks (20% of A level)
- Focuses on essays about one literary text and one film or two literary texts
- Requires critical analysis of themes and techniques
Paper 3: Speaking
- Oral exam, 21–23 minutes (including 5 minutes preparation), 60 marks (30% of A-level)
- Includes a discussion on a sub-theme and a presentation plus discussion on an individual research project
There is no coursework component. All exams are marked by AQA examiners.
Progression
Studying A level French provides a strong foundation for future progression. This subject can help students to:
- Progress to university courses in modern languages, linguistics, law, international relations, business, science, medicine, and more
- Support applications across a wide range of disciplines by developing critical thinking, text analysis, and clear communication skills
- Develop transferable skills such as cultural awareness, problem solving, and confident expression
- Access competitive apprenticeships and professional training in areas like translation, diplomacy, journalism, and education
- Prepare for careers with global companies or in international roles including diplomacy, media, education, and business
- Stand out in higher education and job applications due to the subject’s academic challenge and global relevance
