The French course constitutes an integrated study with a focus on language, culture and society. It fosters a range of transferable skills, including communication, critical thinking and creativity.
The French course constitutes an integrated study with a focus on language, culture and society. It fosters a range of transferable skills, including communication, critical thinking and creativity.
The Thomas Mills High School and Sixth Form Year 12 French curriculum builds upon the knowledge, skills and understanding developed at GCSE, preparing students for success in their AS studies and providing a strong foundation for A Level study. Through the study of authentic spoken and written materials and carefully sequenced thematic content, students develop the advanced linguistic knowledge and cultural understanding required to communicate confidently, accurately and independently in French. Students explore contemporary issues affecting French- speaking society through themes including social issues and trends, political and artistic culture, and literary and cinematic works, while extending their vocabulary, grammatical knowledge and range of expression.
The curriculum places a strong emphasis on the continued development of the four key language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students consolidate and extend their understanding of advanced grammar and syntax, enabling them to manipulate language accurately across a range of contexts and increasingly complex time frames. They refine their pronunciation, translation and summarising skills, develop spontaneity in spoken interaction, and learn to construct well-reasoned arguments supported by evidence and justified opinions. Through regular retrieval practice, explicit vocabulary instruction and targeted examination preparation, students become increasingly independent and resilient language learners.
Alongside linguistic development, students deepen their understanding of the history, culture and society of the French-speaking world through the study of authentic texts, film, literature and current affairs. They develop the analytical and evaluative skills needed to interpret ideas, perspectives and cultural viewpoints, making meaningful comparisons between French-speaking societies and their own experiences. Students are encouraged to communicate for authentic purposes, engage critically with a range of sources and appreciate the value of languages in higher education, employment and an increasingly interconnected world.
The following assessment objectives underpin students’ progress towards success in AQA AS French (7651):
AO1 – Understand and respond to spoken and written language
AO2 – Communicate in speech and writing
AO3 – Knowledge and understanding of language
Students study all prescribed themes through the context of French-speaking countries and communities, enabling them to develop both linguistic proficiency and a sophisticated understanding of the diversity of the Francophone world. Through the study of authentic materials and cinematic works prescribed by the AQA specification, students develop the confidence, independence and intellectual curiosity required for success at A Level and beyond.
Knowledge:
Students explore changing family structures, relationships, and modern social issues. They examine the impact of digital technology and media on society, including social media. They then explore the role of volunteering, including benefits for those who help and are helped. They also examine cinema as a 7th art form, looking at film evolution and trends.
Skills:
Students develop the ability to discuss social issues, justify opinions, and use more complex grammatical constructions such as subordinate clauses and varied tenses. Listening and reading focus on authentic texts.
Useful Links
Quizlet and Memrise – Searchable flashcards and games for revising French vocabulary by theme or module: https://quizlet.com/en-gb www.memrise.com
Language Nut – an online platform the school subscribes to that has vocabulary games, exam style questions, grammar activities and phonics explanations. www.languagenut.com
AQA French 7651 – The official specification, sample papers, assessment criteria and examiner reports. AS Level French 7651 | Specification | AQA
TV5Monde – Hundreds of free listening activities organised by CEFR level (Choose level B1 (easier) or B2 (harder) Exercices de français (FLE) B1 intermédiaire – TV5MONDE
Lawless French – An excellent free website with clear explanations and quizzes for every grammar point. Also includes listening and vocabulary practice Bonjour ! – Lawless French – Online French Learning
Le monde – one of France’s leading newspapers. Ideal for improving reading and learning topic-specific vocabulary. www.lemonde.fr
France Info – short news clips with transcripts. Fantastic for keeping up with French- speaking society topics. franceinfo – Actualités en temps réel et info en direct
Assessments:
The assessments will include grammar and vocabulary tests throughout the term. Assessments will take place during the assessment week scheduled this term and will include a reading, writing and listening test be based on the topics studied in Term 1. There will also be a speaking test based on the same topics.
Knowledge:
Students learn about French cultural identity and heritage through traditions, festivals, and UNESCO sites. They explore the importance of protecting national heritage and the impact of tourism. They also start studying the film ‘La Haine’, looking at its socio-historic context, main characters and themes.
Skills:
Students analyse cultural topics, describe historical developments, and develop translation skills. They practise extended writing and improve their ability to interpret authentic materials.
Useful Links
Quizlet and Memrise – Searchable flashcards and games for revising French vocabulary by theme or module: https://quizlet.com/en-gb www.memrise.com
Language Nut – an online platform the school subscribes to that has vocabulary games, exam style questions, grammar activities and phonics explanations. www.languagenut.com
AQA French 7651 – The official specification, sample papers, assessment criteria and examiner reports. AS Level French 7651 | Specification | AQA
TV5Monde – Hundreds of free listening activities organised by CEFR level (Choose level B1 (easier) or B2 (harder) Exercices de français (FLE) B1 intermédiaire – TV5MONDE
Lawless French – An excellent free website with clear explanations and quizzes for every grammar point. Also includes listening and vocabulary practice Bonjour ! – Lawless French – Online French Learning
Le monde – one of France’s leading newspapers. Ideal for improving reading and learning topic-specific vocabulary. www.lemonde.fr
France Info – short news clips with transcripts. Fantastic for keeping up with French- speaking society topics. franceinfo – Actualités en temps réel et info en direct
Assessments:
The assessments will include grammar and vocabulary tests throughout the term. Assessments will take place during the Prep Exams scheduled this term and will include a Paper 1 (reading, writing and listening) and a Paper 3 (Speaking) based on the topics studied in Term 1 and 2.
Knowledge:
Students learn about French musical identity, looking at the diversity of French music around the world, trends and challenges of safekeeping French music.
They also continue studying the film ‘La Haine’, looking at its socio-cultural and ‘new wave’ influences and the cinema techniques used, including sound, image and camera techniques.
Useful Links
Quizlet and Memrise – Searchable flashcards and games for revising French vocabulary by theme or module: https://quizlet.com/en-gb www.memrise.com
Language Nut – an online platform the school subscribes to that has vocabulary games, exam style questions, grammar activities and phonics explanations. www.languagenut.com
AQA French 7651 – The official specification, sample papers, assessment criteria and examiner reports. AS Level French 7651 | Specification | AQA
TV5Monde – Hundreds of free listening activities organised by CEFR level (Choose level B1 (easier) or B2 (harder) Exercices de français (FLE) B1 intermédiaire – TV5MONDE
Lawless French – An excellent free website with clear explanations and quizzes for every grammar point. Also includes listening and vocabulary practice Bonjour ! – Lawless French – Online French Learning
Le monde – one of France’s leading newspapers. Ideal for improving reading and learning topic-specific vocabulary. www.lemonde.fr
France Info – short news clips with transcripts. Fantastic for keeping up with French- speaking society topics. franceinfo – Actualités en temps réel et info en direct
Assessments:
The assessments will include grammar and vocabulary tests throughout the term. Assessments will take place during the Prep Exams scheduled this term and will include a Paper 1 (reading, writing and listening, a Paper 2 (essay writing on La Haine) and a Paper 3 (Speaking) based on all topics studied at AS level.
The Thomas Mills High School and Sixth Form Year 13 French curriculum builds upon the advanced knowledge, skills and understanding developed in Year 12, preparing students for success in their A Level examinations and equipping them for further study, employment and participation in an increasingly global society. Through the continued study of authentic spoken and written materials, literary texts and contemporary issues, students develop the linguistic competence, analytical skills and cultural awareness required to communicate with confidence, precision and sophistication in French. They deepen their understanding of the social, political and artistic life of French-speaking countries while extending their ability to engage critically with complex ideas and diverse perspectives.
The curriculum places a strong emphasis on the secure and independent application of advanced vocabulary, grammar and linguistic structures across the four key language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students refine their ability to understand nuanced spoken and written French, including implicit meaning, differing viewpoints and authentic language from a wide range of sources. They manipulate language with increasing fluency and accuracy across a variety of contexts and time frames, developing spontaneity in discussion, precision in translation and the ability to produce extended written responses that are coherent, well-structured and analytically sophisticated. Through regular retrieval practice, independent study and targeted examination preparation, students become resilient, reflective and increasingly autonomous linguists.
Alongside their linguistic development, students undertake an in-depth study of French-speaking culture through literature and the Individual Research Project. They investigate aspects of the Francophone world that interest them personally, developing the research, evaluation and presentation skills required to communicate informed and balanced arguments in French. Students deepen their appreciation of the diversity and richness of French-speaking societies, making meaningful connections between language, culture, history and contemporary global issues. They are encouraged to think critically, evaluate evidence, challenge assumptions and recognise the value of languages in fostering intercultural understanding and global citizenship.
The following assessment objectives underpin students’ progress towards success in AQA A Level French (7652):
AO1 – Understand and respond to spoken and written language
AO2 – Communicate in speech and writing
AO3 – Knowledge and understanding of language
Students study all prescribed themes through the context of French-speaking countries and communities, while also completing detailed study of the AQA literary text alongside an independently researched topic of their choosing. Through sustained engagement with authentic language and culture, students develop the intellectual independence, cultural literacy and linguistic confidence required for success at university, in the workplace and as informed global citizens.
Knowledge:
Students explore the benefits and challenges of living in an ethnically diverse society, considering the need for tolerance and respect of diversity alongside promoting this diversity. They also develop an understanding of the French political system analysing pros and cons of young people’s engagement in politics.
They then examine Francophone attitudes to crime, the prison system and alternative forms of punishment. They explore the different marginalised groups alongside contrasting attitudes to the marginalised and what measure are there to help them.
Skills:
Students develop analytical writing, summarising techniques, and improve translation accuracy. They refine their ability to interpret authentic materials and justify viewpoints using complex grammar and vocabulary.
Useful Links
Quizlet and Memrise – Searchable flashcards and games for revising French vocabulary by theme or module: https://quizlet.com/en-gb www.memrise.com
Language Nut – an online platform the school subscribes to that has vocabulary games, exam style questions, grammar activities and phonics explanations. www.languagenut.com
AQA French 7652 – The official specification, sample papers, assessment criteria and examiner reports. A-level French 7652 | Specification | AQA
TV5Monde – Hundreds of free listening activities organised by CEFR level (Choose level B1 (easier) or B2 (harder) Exercices de français (FLE) B1 intermédiaire – TV5MONDE
Lawless French – An excellent free website with clear explanations and quizzes for every grammar point. Also includes listening and vocabulary practice Bonjour ! – Lawless French – Online French Learning
Le monde – one of France’s leading newspapers. Ideal for improving reading and learning topic-specific vocabulary. www.lemonde.fr
France Info – short news clips with transcripts. Fantastic for keeping up with French- speaking society topics. franceinfo – Actualités en temps réel et info en direct
Inner French – podcasts with transcripts and videos. innerFrench – French that speaks to you.
Assessments:
The assessments will include grammar and vocabulary tests throughout the term. Assessments will take place during the assessment week scheduled this term and will include reading, writing, listening and speaking tests be based on the topics studied in Term 1, and including topics studied at AS levels.
Knowledge:
Students study key political and social issues, including migration, worker’s rights and responsibilities, and the role of trade unions in France. They explore contemporary debates and policy challenges.
They analyse themes and characters in No et moi, along with the main theme of homelessness. They explore various writing and literary techniques used in the book.
Skills:
Students develop argumentative writing, debate skills, and the ability to express complex opinions with nuance. Speaking becomes more spontaneous and discursive.
Useful Links
Quizlet and Memrise – Searchable flashcards and games for revising French vocabulary by theme or module: https://quizlet.com/en-gb www.memrise.com
Language Nut – an online platform the school subscribes to that has vocabulary games, exam style questions, grammar activities and phonics explanations. www.languagenut.com
AQA French 7652 – The official specification, sample papers, assessment criteria and examiner reports. A-level French 7652 | Specification | AQA
TV5Monde – Hundreds of free listening activities organised by CEFR level (Choose level B1 (easier) or B2 (harder) Exercices de français (FLE) B1 intermédiaire – TV5MONDE
Lawless French – An excellent free website with clear explanations and quizzes for every grammar point. Also includes listening and vocabulary practice Bonjour ! – Lawless French – Online French Learning
Le monde – one of France’s leading newspapers. Ideal for improving reading and learning topic-specific vocabulary. www.lemonde.fr
France Info – short news clips with transcripts. Fantastic for keeping up with French- speaking society topics. franceinfo – Actualités en temps réel et info en direct
Inner French – podcasts with transcripts and videos. innerFrench – French that speaks to you.
Assessments:
The assessments will include grammar and vocabulary tests throughout the term. Assessments will take place during the Prep Exams scheduled this term and will include a past paper 1 (reading, writing and listening), paper 2 (writing – essays on La Haine and No et Moi) and paper 3 (Speaking, to include the IRP).
Knowledge and skills:
Students finalise their IRP and practice presentation skills and eloquence.
Students practise all skills and topics taught in the A Level course through exam techniques and past paper completion.
Useful Links
Quizlet and Memrise – Searchable flashcards and games for revising French vocabulary by theme or module: https://quizlet.com/en-gb www.memrise.com
Language Nut – an online platform the school subscribes to that has vocabulary games, exam style questions, grammar activities and phonics explanations. www.languagenut.com
AQA French 7652 – The official specification, sample papers, assessment criteria and examiner reports. A-level French 7652 | Specification | AQA
TV5Monde – Hundreds of free listening activities organised by CEFR level (Choose level B1 (easier) or B2 (harder) Exercices de français (FLE) B1 intermédiaire – TV5MONDE
Lawless French – An excellent free website with clear explanations and quizzes for every grammar point. Also includes listening and vocabulary practice Bonjour ! – Lawless French – Online French Learning
Le monde – one of France’s leading newspapers. Ideal for improving reading and learning topic-specific vocabulary. www.lemonde.fr
France Info – short news clips with transcripts. Fantastic for keeping up with French- speaking society topics. franceinfo – Actualités en temps réel et info en direct
Inner French – podcasts with transcripts and videos. innerFrench – French that speaks to you.
Assessments:
Final exams to be held in May/June.
Exam Board:
AQA
Course Code:
7652
