French

What is A-Level French?

A-Level French opens up a whole world of opportunities. As well as being the official language of 28 countries, French is a key working language for many organisations. These include the UN, UNESCO and NATO.

Studying French at Cardinal Newman can boost your employment prospects and deepen your understanding of French culture, literature, fashion, and cuisine.

You’ll build on your GCSE skills, enhancing your fluency, grammar and knowledge of France’s rich history, society, and language – all with the support of passionate tutors.

What Will You Study in A-Level French?

During the A-Level French course, you’ll learn about the culture, society and politics of French-speaking countries. You will explore a range of topics from modern values and personal identity to migration and integration.

You’ll also study key aspects of French Art, literature, cinema, and music. This will help gain a deep understanding of post-war France (1940-1950) and contemporary issues.

Key areas of study include:

Family, relationships, and youth trends
Education and employment opportunities
French culture - film, music, art and festivals
Discrimination, diversity, and integration in France
Post-war France (1940-1950)

Also, you’ll explore a French work of literature and a film

What Next After Completing A-Level French?

After completing our French A-Level, you’ll have a valuable skill highly sought after by employers and top universities. Both recognise the challenges and benefits of studying a language.

French can be combined with nearly any subject at university. This gives you flexibility in your future studies.

Our students go everywhere! There is a ex-Newman student every year studying French at University of London in Paris. In addition, we have students currently in Liverpool, Durham, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester, Oxbridge and they study French with another subject (a new language, English, Law, History, Maths, Business, Linguistics). The list is endless. A language is beneficial when applying and can be combined with any subject. Every year, we have students who successfully enter medical school who have studied French at A-Level.

Trips for French A-Level

Students in Year 12 take part in a virtual exchange with a French school based in Montpellier.

Students in Year 13 are offered the chance to take part in our annual trip to Paris where they have the
chance to try out their language skills amongst the historical sites!

In addition, we visit universities and have a translation workshop. The MFL celebrates the European Day of Languages and also runs a languages carol service.

What is the Exam Board for A-Level French?

The A-Level French course at Cardinal Newman is assessed by the Eduqas (WJEC) exam board. They are known for their rigorous and well-structured assessments, making sure students are well prepared for both exams and further study.

This exam board is also respected by universities and employers alike.

What are the Entry Requirements for A-Level French?

To enrol in the French A-Level programme, you’ll need at least five GCSEs at grade 5 or above. This includes at least a grade 6 in French. The reason for this is so students have a strong foundation in the language before progressing to more advanced studies.

If you’re looking for flexibility, we have a Mixed Programme. This allows you to combine A-Levels with BTEC qualifications.

Even if you’re not on track for all five grade 5s, you may still have the chance to pursue both pathways.

What other subjects go well with this subject?

Everything! We see students from nearly every other department in college. Top universities also recognise the transferable skills gained through studying a language at A-Level.

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