Switching to AQA from Edexcel
To save you time and help you compare our A-level French specification with the Edexcel specification, we’ve created some comparison tables.
These tables highlight the content and requirements side-by-side, so you can make the right choice for your students.
Let us know if you’d like to hear from us, we’ll send you everything you need to get started.
Assessment structure
Paper 1
AQA – A-level French | Edexcel – A-level French |
|---|---|
Paper 1 – listening, reading and writing | Paper 1 – listening, reading and translation |
Written exam | Written exam |
2 hours 30 minutes | 2 hours |
100 marks (50% of A-level) | 80 marks (40% of A-level) |
Listening and responding to spoken passages. All questions in French to be answered in French or with non-verbal responses (30 marks) Reading and responding to a variety of texts. All questions in French to be answered in French or with non-verbal responses (50 marks) Translation into French; passage of a minimum of 100 words (10 marks) Translation into English; passage of a minimum of 100 words (10 marks). | Listening and responding to spoken passages. All question in French to be answered in French or with non-verbal responses (30 marks) Reading and responding to a variety of texts. All questions in French to be answered in French or with non-verbal responses (30 marks) Translation into English; passage of a minimum of 100 words (20 marks) |
Paper 2
AQA – A-level French | Edexcel – A-level French |
|---|---|
Paper 2 – writing | Paper 2 – written response to works and translation |
Written exam | Written exam |
2 hours | 2 hours and 40 minutes |
80 marks (20% of A-level) | 120 marks (30% of A-level) |
Either one question in French on a set text, from a choice of two questions, and one question in French on a set film, from a choice of two questions, or two questions on set texts, from a choice of two questions on each text. Students are advised to write approximately 300 words per essay.
| Translation into French; passage of a minimum of 100 words (20 marks). Either one question in French on a set text, from a choice of two questions, and one question in French on a set film, from a choice of two questions, or two questions on set texts, from a choice of two questions on each text. Students are advised to write 300-350 words per essay.
|
Paper 3
AQA – A-level French | Edexcel – A-level French |
|---|---|
Paper 3 – speaking | Paper 3 – speaking |
21–23 minutes (including 5 minutes preparation time) | 21 – 23 minutes (including 5 minutes preparation time) |
60 marks (30% of A-level) | 72 marks (30% of A-level) |
Discussion of sub-theme based on a stimulus card (Student chooses card from two cards offered) (5-6 mins) (25 marks). Presentation (2 mins) and Discussion (9-10 mins) of individual research project (35 marks).
| Discussion of sub-theme based on a stimulus card (Student chooses sub-theme from two sub-themes offered) (6-7 mins) (30 marks). Presentation and Discussion (10-11 minutes) of individual research project (42 marks). |
Subject content
Core themes
AQA – A-level French | Edexcel – A-level French |
|---|---|
Aspects of French-speaking society: current trends. Students may study all sub-themes in relation to any French-speaking country or countries. The changing nature of family (La famille en voie de changement):
The ‘cyber-society’ (La « cyber-société »):
The place of voluntary work (Le rôle du bénévolat):
| Theme 1: Les changements dans la société française Theme 1 is set in the context of France only. This theme covers social issues and trends. Les changements dans les structures familiales Les changements dans les attitudes envers le mariage, les couples et la famille. L’éducation Le système éducatif et les questions estudiantines. Le monde du travail La vie active en France et les attitudes envers le travail; le droit à la grève; l’égalité des sexes. |
Artistic culture in the French-speaking world. Students may study all sub-themes in relation to any French-speaking country or countries.
| Theme 2: La culture politique et artistique dans les pays francophones Theme 2 is set in the context of Francophone countries and communities. This theme covers artistic culture (through music and festivals and traditions) and political and artistic culture (through media). La musique: Les changements et les développements; l’impact de la musique sur la culture populaire. Les médias: La liberté d’expression; la presse écrite et en ligne; l’impact sur la société et la politique. Les festivals et les traditions: Les festivals, fêtes, coutumes et traditions. |
Aspects of French-speaking society: current issues Students may study all sub-themes in relation to any French-speaking country or countries.
| Theme 3: L’immigration et la société multiculturelle française Theme 3 is set in the context of France only. This theme covers social issues and trends. L’impact positif de l’immigration sur la société française Les contributions des immigrés à l’économie et à la culture. Répondre aux défis de l’immigration et de l’intégration en France. Les activités des communautés; la marginalisation et l’aliénation du point de vue des immigrés. L’extrême droite La montée du Front National; les leaders du Front National; l’opinion publique. |
Aspects of political life in the French-speaking world: Students may study all sub-themes in relation to any French-speaking country or countries.
| Theme 4: L’Occupation et la Résistance Theme 4 is set in the context of France only. This theme covers political culture. La France occupée La collaboration; l’antisémitisme. Le régime de Vichy Maréchal Pétain et la Révolution nationale. La Résistance Jean Moulin, Charles de Gaulle et les femmes de la Résistance; l’implication des. |
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