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.

This course is available for international students, if you are applying as an international student please click here.

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.

When applying for an A Level programme at City and Islington, please refer to the general entry requirements on our A Level Courses page as well as the subject-specific details listed above.

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).

Aged 16-18

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August prior to the start date of your course and you have the legal right to remain in the UK for the duration of your programme then your study with us will be free. Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

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.

Click here to see some of the teachers that teach A Levels at the college