French - A Level (Edexcel)

A Level French builds upon your existing knowledge gained at GCSE, giving you a sound understanding of using your language in a variety of contexts and situations - at home, abroad, with friends or in the workplace. 

French is spoken by 74 million people across the world, notably in France and former French territories; it's also a key language across Europe and can help your long-term employment prospects - according to the British Council, nearly half of UK businesses look for employees who can speak French.

Speaking - You will be able to communicate with over 75 million people across the world

Listening - You will be able to understand spoken French, as well as watch French films and TV shows, and listen to podcasts and music

Reading - You will be able to read French books, newsletters and magazines, as well as alerts and notices

Writing - You will be able to write in many different styles, for different audiences, using the most appropriate styles

Topics covered can also include:

• Evolving society in France
• Political and artistic culture in French-speaking countries
• Immigration and multiculturalism in France
• The Occupation, and Resistance

You will need:

• Grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language
• Grade 5 or above in GCSE French - if you did not study GCSE French, but are bilingual, we will assess your suitability on an individual basis
• Three further GCSEs at grade 4 or above

If you wish to study 4 A Levels, you will need 7 GCSEs at grade 7 or above, including two at grade 8.

All applicants must have an interview to confirm that A Levels are suitable for them.

Assessment takes place regularly on the course to provide practice and feedback. The final exams will take place at the end of the second year and will include paper 1 (listening, reading and translation), paper 2 (writing on a film and book and translation into French) and paper 3 (an oral exam).

School Leavers

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31 August in the year you begin your course, and have been resident in the UK/EU/EEA for the past 3 years, it will be free. Some courses will have other costs associated, such as for materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support when studying at college – please click here for more information.

A Levels are widely regarded as the standard entry qualification for top universities in the UK, and the rest of the world. Many of our students go onto study for a degree at the university of their choice, with some choosing to progress into apprenticeships or other employment.