MFL – KS5
Course name: French AS & A2 Level
Examination Board and syllabus no.
Edexcel: French 8FR01 (AS) & 8FR02 (A2)
Course Outline
Students cover the following topic areas at AS:
- Youth Culture & Concerns
- Lifestyle: Health & Fitness
- The World around us: Travel, Tourism, Environmental Issues and the French Speaking World
- Education & Employment
At A2 these topics are studied in addition:
- Customs, Traditions, Beliefs and Religions
- National and International Events: Past, Present and Future
- Literature and the Arts
Assessment
AS: Unit 1 (Speaking) – students select one of the above general topic areas to prepare for their exam. The assessment last about 10 minutes. Section A requires students to respond to Edexcel set questions on a stimulus and Section B engages the student in a follow-up discussion on the wider topic area.
AS: Unit 2 – this is a 2 hour 30 minute paper divided into 3 sections. Section A is listening and the students have individual control of the CD and may play the recording as many times as they wish. Section B is reading and Section C is writing. This takes the form of any essay of 220 words based on a short stimulus.
A2: Unit 3 (Speaking) – this involves the student taking part in a discussion with their teacher defending their views and sustaining a conversation. Students have one minute to outline their topic adopting a definite stance. They then defend this stance and justify their opinions. The exam lasts about 12 minutes.
A2: Unit 4 – this is a 2 hour 30 minute written paper in 3 sections. Section A is a short translation into French. Section B is an essay based on a choice of seven questions linked to the prescribed general topic areas. Section 3 is a research-.based essay. Students choose an area of interest and then research it.
Both units 1 and 3 are taken in May.
Homework
Homework is set every lesson and students are expected to undertake a lot of independent learning of their own to develop their language skills and to build up their confidence.
Equipment Required
Collins Robert French dicitonary
Useful Publications/Websites
A full list of useful websites is published in the Student’s learning journal.
Supporting your child’s progress
Encourage them to be organised and methodical with their work. Ask them to show you their folder and their handbook, which contains pages for them to self-assess their progress.
Encourage them to listen to French radio and television.
Discuss their learning and ensure they have planned their workload.