EXAM BOARD 

EDEXCEL 

STRUCTURE OF COURSE 

Component 1 

Listening, reading and translation in French 

Component 2 

Written response to works and translation in French 

Component 3 

Spoken response in French 

ASSESSMENT 

COMPONENT 1: LISTENING, READING AND TRANSLATION 

Externally assessed. 1 hr 50, 40% of the qualification. 

COMPONENT 2: WRITTEN RESPONSE TO WORKS AND TRANSLATION 

Externally assessed. 2 hrs 40, 30% of the qualification. 

COMPONENT 3: SPEAKING 

Internally conducted and externally assessed; 30% of the qualification. Task 1: discussion on a Theme. Task 2: presentation and discussion on independent research. 

CONTENT 

Component 1 & 3 – THEMES 

 Changes in French society: changes in families, changes in education, changes in the world of work 

2. Political and artistic scene in French speaking countries : music, media, festivals and traditions 

3. Immigration and multiculturalism: integration and multiculturalism, the rise of the extreme right 

4. The Occupation and the Resistance 

Component 2 - THEMES 

This paper draws on the study of two discrete French works: either two literary texts, or one literary text and one film. 

POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS 

Britain’s involvement with the European Union, has led to an ever-increasing demand for graduates with practical language skills. A qualification in French is an asset in all professional careers, including Medicine. Linguists are highly regarded for their communication skills and cultural awareness. As a major European language, French is particularly valued in Finance, Law, Marketing, Technology, International Relations, International Business Management and the Pharmaceutical industry. 

POSSIBLE SUBJECT COMBINATIONS 

French combines with, and complements, a wide range of Arts and Science subjects at all academic levels. French also has strong links to Maths, Music, History, Psychology, Philosophy and Theology. Apart from helping you acquire a useful skill and an understanding of another culture, the study of languages is intellectually stimulating and personally enriching. 

Remember you do not have to study just French. For those of you who want to major in another subject; you might want to think about adding French to that degree, for example Law with French or Chemistry with French for Science.