French (A-level)
This course enables students to use French for the purpose of communication and fosters their ability to collect, analyse and exchange information, ideas and attitudes through the French language. This qualification is linear, which means that students will sit all their exams at the end of the course.
Course Summary
Course Information for Students
Who is this course for?
This course enables students to use French for the purpose of communication and fosters their ability to collect, analyse and exchange information, ideas and attitudes through the medium of the French language.
This qualification is linear, which means that students will sit all their exams at the end of the course.
Entry Requirements
You will need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language at grade 5 and Maths at grade 4.
In addition, you should have GCSE French at grade 5 or above.
You will be expected to demonstrate a keen interest in French-speaking countries and their culture.
A recent school report will be required which demonstrates a committed attitude to learning.
It is assumed that students will enrol on a two-year A-level programme of study consisting of three or more subjects. However, students will be expected to demonstrate a committed attitude to learning and make positive progress in their first year of study.
What will you learn?
- Aspects of French-speaking society: current issues including positive features of a diverse society, life for the marginalised and how criminals are treated.
- Aspects of political life in the French-speaking world: issues including teenagers, the right to vote and political commitment, politics and immigration, demonstrations and strikes – who holds the power?
How will you learn?
This course will be delivered on-site at the Joseph Wright Centre.
What will you need to bring with you?
N/A
How will you be assessed?
The exam board is AQA.
Paper 1:
Listening, Reading and Writing (Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes) – 50% of A-level marks.
Paper 2:
Writing (Duration: 2 hours) – 20% of A-level marks.
Speaking element (Duration: 21-23 minutes) – 30% of A-level marks.
Where next?
You may need languages for all sorts of career destinations. Doctors, psychologists and physiotherapists need language skills to communicate effectively with patients whether they work in the UK or overseas.
Business people, bankers and entrepreneurs all need language skills to make deals and sell products on the global market. Politicians, historians, geographers and holiday reps all need language skills to get to know the people and area that they are passionate about.
In addition, careers in teaching, translating/interpreting, journalism, importing/exporting and catering will all require advanced level language skills.
A foreign language A-level will complement and enhance your other studies too.
Who do you contact for more information?
For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk
Course Information for Employers
Information for Employers
Career Information
DCG Success Stories

Jacob Connolly
A-level student Jacob is off to University College London (UCL) to study for a degree in French and Spanish having got the grades he needed.
I’ve done better than I’d expected and I’ve got the grades I need to get into UCL.

Sophie Smyth
Former teacher finds language skills transferable in new nursing career
Joseph Wright Centre is a good college and going there helped me make the transition to university after coming from a small secondary school.
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Course Information Last Updated On: June 10, 2026 3:31 pm