Entry Requirements for prospective AS/A2 students

Grade B at GCSE (AS Level)

Course Content

AS

Speaking-Roleplay test - 15 minutes - 30% of AS, 15% of A2
Listening, reading and writing paper - 1hrs 30 minutes - 30% of AS, 15% of A2
Reading and Writing - 1hr 30 minutes - 30% of AS, 15% of A2

The skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing are taught through a variety of topics

• daily life
• the Media and its influence
• advertising, the arts, cutural life, leisure time
• food and drink traditions, healthy eating
• sport and pastimes
• travel, transport and holidays
• human interest news items

in addition, students learn to use the language within a business context.

A2

Speaking and Discussion of Text - 15 minutes - 15%
Listening, reading and writing paper - 2hrs 45 minutes - 20%
Coursework - Culture and Society - 15%

In the oral test, students have 20 minutes to prepare responses to a short written stimulus. This is followed by general conversation of current issues of a topic chosen by the candidate.
Listening and reading materials are drawn from the following broad areas:

• Social Issues
• The Environment
• Education
• Law and Order
• Politics
• Technological and Scientific advances
• Human Interest News items

Coursework

AS and A2

The coursework unit in A2 makes up 15% of the overall mark. Coursework may relate to a literacy or non-literacy topic provided it relates to France or a French speaking country.

Learning Methods and Assessment

AS and A2

Lessons are conducted predominantly in the target language and grammar is taught both in context and as a discrete item. Students learn to work independently, developing research and dictionary skills, as well as in pairs or groups. They are encouraged in oral work to use the language of persuasion and argument and to be confident in giving presentations. Listening skills are developed working with personal stereos and satellite TV broadcasts. Writing in the form of summaries is developed and there are weekly conversation classes with the language assistant

Expectations of Students

AS and A2

Students are expected to participate in the French exchange to Strasbourg at Easter.

Careers Implications

Languages are a useful adjunct to almost any career whether in Business, Science and Technology, or the Arts. With globalisation, the need for people who can communicate well and adapt readily to other cultures means that language graduates or those who have studied languages beyond GCSE are very much in demand.