The aim of the French A Level Course is to promote the acquisition of four essential skills: listening to, speaking, reading and writing the French language. It does this within a structure of five sections.
Each full A Level Course consists of an AS and A2 Syllabus. The home study course is split into four modules, reflecting the new four module examination structure of A levels. The AS and A2 courses can be sat in their own right as an individual course, but you are required to have completed the AS level syllabus before starting on an A2 syllabus.
Each lesson begins with a set of clearly stated objectives and an explanation of its place in the overall programme of study. Effective learning is encouraged through frequent activities and self- assessment questions. There are fifteen Tutor-Marked Assignments (known as TMAs).
The Syllabus:
This home study course prepares candidates for the new AQA French AS level syllabus 1651, for examination in 2011 and later years. Most candidates will then study the AQA French A2 syllabus 2651 for examination in 2011 and later years. The overall syllabus number is: 2650.
The home study course is supported by oral material on CD-Rom, and access to Nelson Thornes online resources at Kerboodle.Students will need to have internet access to benefit from these.
This specification is designed to encourage candidates to:
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Develop the knowledge and skills acquired at GCSE level and use the language learned in a wide range of contexts.
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Gain a useful insight into another culture and reflect on aspects of contemporary society.
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Enhance their employment prospects, facilitate foreign travel and experience the enjoyment and motivation of improving their linguistic level.
Examinations:
AS
The AS Level has the following modules:
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Media: TV, advertising and communication technology
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Popular culture: cinema, music and fashion/trends
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Healthy living/lifestyle: sport/exercise, health and well-being and holidays
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Family/relationships: relationships within the family, friendships and marriage/partnerships.
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Revision & Mock Exam: Unit 1 - Listening, Reading and Writing Test; Phrases for Essay Writing at AS; CD Listening transcript; AS Unit 2 – Speaking Test; Appendix – Questions Personnelles, speaking and writing practice; French Grammar Section and Verb Tables.
A2
The A2 Level has the following modules:
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Environment: pollution, energy and protecting the planet
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The multi-cultural society: immigration, integration and racism
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Contemporary social issues: wealth and poverty, law and order and the impact of scientific and technological progress
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Cultural topic: the study of a target language speaking region/community or the study of a period of 20th century history from a target language-speaking country/community or the study of a novelist/dramatist/poet from a target language-speaking country/community or the study of a director/architect/musician/painter from a target language-speaking country/ community.
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Revision & Mock Exam: Unit 3 Listening, Reading and Writing Exam preparation, and Unit 4 Speaking Test preparation
Practical Skills/Coursework:
No Coursework with this syllabus.
Pre-Requirements:
We will admit Candidates for A Level Courses who have a minimum of 4 GCSEs at grade C and above. These would ideally include Maths and French.
Additional Reading:
- AQA AS French: Student Book by Briggs, Armstrong & Harrison. (ISBN-10: 0748798072 - ISBN-13: 978-0748798070)
Technical Support:
Every student receives a personal tutor with whom they need to keep in regular contact. The essential relationship between student and tutor begins with an introductory letter and a telephone call to help decide on a study plan. All tutors are fully qualified teachers holding either a Postgraduate Certificate in Education or a degree in education. So when you enrol on a course you can be assured of the assistance of a professionally qualified subject specific tutor.
There is no limit on how often you can contact your tutor. The advice and encouragement our tutors provide are an important part of your learning experience. You can contact your tutor by Phone, Post or Email. There are tutor-marked assignments (TMA’s) in every course. These help the student to consolidate their learning and prepare for examinations. All tutors have a local rate telephone number such as a 0845 number. This means that when you phone your tutor it will only cost you the price of a local call. Whilst you are still actively submitting assignments, you should expect to be in contact with your tutor regularly. Remember, to get the most out of your tutor, you will need to tell them when you need assistance.
Examination Centres:
There are approximately 300 testing centres in the UK, so finding one close by should not be very difficult. In December/January we contact you to start arranging your examination dates.
Registered students can also access a list of exam centre's for their postcode area which have been used in the past 12 months by previous students.
We always try to give whatever help we can with examination information, but the entering of candidates for examinations and any dealings with the examination centre’s are entirely the responsibility of the student.
Nearest Examination Dates:
A Level Examination Fees:
On average A Level examination fees are approximately £20.00 per exam, plus an administration fee which is at the discretion of the examination centre.
Studying from Abroad:
It is possible to study A Level Courses from anywhere in the world. However some home study courses are easier to study from abroad than others and some restrictions to the type of tuition available apply. If you wish to study an A Level then you will need to sit the examinations in the UK. Please remember that most A Level’s have several examinations which may well be spread over several weeks.
