French
French at The Perse Sixth Form develops confidence in students to communicate fluently, engage critically with literature, film and current affairs, and explore the rich diversity of the Francophone world. Alongside preparing for A level French, they build the linguistic and cultural understanding needed to thrive at university and in an increasingly international world.
Developing fluency and confidence
Students also work towards the DELF B2 qualification, an internationally recognised certification that provides a valuable practical complement to A level French and is highly regarded by universities and employers. The first paragraph under ‘Learning beyond the specification’ should read: The French course consistently extends beyond the A level curriculum, encouraging students to engage with Francophone history, literature, film and contemporary issues. Research into an aspect of Francophone culture fosters intellectual curiosity and prepares students for the independent learning expected at university.
Learning beyond the specification
The French course consistently extends beyond the A level curriculum, encouraging students to engage with Francophone history, literature, film and contemporary issues. Independent research into an aspect of Francophone culture fosters intellectual curiosity and prepares students for the independent learning expected at university.
Beyond the classroom, students can join the French Society and take part in regional and national competitions in debating, translation and reading aloud. They also attend specialist lectures on languages and linguistics delivered by speakers from universities and industry, including opportunities to participate in academic events at Cambridge colleges.
Learning through language and culture
Immersive visits to the Côte d’Azur and Annecy allow students to experience French language and culture first-hand while exploring the history, traditions and everyday life of different regions of France. Cinema trips to French-language films further enrich the programme, helping students deepen their understanding of language, culture and contemporary society.
University preparation and future pathways
French develops confident communication, independent research, cultural awareness, critical analysis and precise written expression, making it excellent preparation for a wide range of university courses. Students regularly progress to degrees in Modern Languages, Linguistics, Literature, History, Politics, International Relations, Law and Business, often combining French with another discipline.
The skills gained through studying French are highly valued across careers in diplomacy, journalism, law, finance, education, translation, consultancy, international development, government, tourism and global organisations.
Recent highlights
French students at The Perse Sixth Form have an outstanding record of university success. Over the past three years, nine students have secured places to study French at Oxford or Cambridge, while many others have progressed to leading universities in the UK and beyond. Some have also continued their studies in France at prestigious institutions including Sciences Po.
Students also enjoy considerable success in national competitions, including winning a regional French Reading Aloud Competition and finishing as national runners-up in the Joutes Oratoires debating competition, with the final held at the French Embassy in London.
Assessment details
Two written papers and an oral exam at the end of the Upper Sixth.
The examining board is AQA.
DELF qualification
The Diplôme d’Etudes de Langue Française (DELF) is a highly regarded and internationally-recognised language qualification delivered by the French Ministry of Education. The DELF can open the door to universities and other higher education institutions in France and other Francophone countries. It is also a superb way of evidencing a whole range of transferable competencies, including communication, analytical and debating skills. The Perse is now an officially-accredited DELF exam centre, allowing students to take the exam in school. For those studying A level French, we offer the DELF at B2 level, and for those who are not, we offer the B1 level qualification.
DELF B1 for non-A level linguists
Each year, an increasing number of students who are not studying A level French choose to take the DELF exam in addition to their A level subjects. This practical, skills-based qualification allows students to develop knowledge of lexical fields more specifically targeted to higher education and working environments, which is useful for those who wish to keep their university and career options open.
We teach the DELF B1 in two sessions a week in the Lower Sixth and students have the option of taking the qualification in addition to or instead of undertaking a research project. Students also benefit from additional time with the French language assistants in the run-up to the exams, which are usually taken in June.
DELF B2 for A level linguists
The DELF B2 is an additional and optional qualification for those studying A level French. It allows those who would like to keep their options open for future study or work in a Francophone country the opportunity to obtain internationally-recognised proof of their French language skills for life at the level required by most higher education providers and employers.
Thanks to the overlap between the DELF B2 and A level course, we are able to prepare students for the exam with one preparation session a week in the Michaelmas and Lent terms during the Upper Sixth.