French is the study of the French language and the cultures of French-speaking countries. At Knutsford Academy, we aim to develop confident, spontaneous and fluent linguists who can communicate in real-life contexts and appreciate the richness of global cultures. Our curriculum fosters a deep understanding of vocabulary, grammar, and phonics, and builds sociolinguistic awareness through meaningful and purposeful communication. 

Course Summary

We study the Eduqas A Level French specification. Students explore social, historical, political and artistic themes across the French-speaking world, including youth issues, cultural heritage, immigration, and diversity. Students also study one film and one literary work, alongside an Independent Research Project (IRP). The A Level fosters high-level grammatical accuracy, analytical skills, and intercultural awareness. Emphasis is placed on using authentic resources, critical thinking and extended discourse in both spoken and written French. 

Assessment

Students take three components at the end of Year 13. These assess their listening, reading, speaking and writing skills, as well as their understanding of French culture, film, and literature. 

 

Component 1: Speaking (30%) 

  • Part 1: Independent Research Project (IRP) 

  • Part 2: Discussion based on a stimulus card (taken from an A Level theme) 

  • Conducted by the teacher/examiner, lasting 11–12 minutes (plus 15 minutes preparation) 

 

Component 2: Listening, Reading & Translation (50%) 

  • Respond to a variety of authentic spoken and written texts 

  • Tasks include comprehension, summaries, and translation (from French to English and vice versa) 

  • Exam duration: 2 hours 30 minutes 

 

Component 3: Critical Response in Writing (20%) 

  • Two essays: 

  • One on a French-language film 

  • One on a French-language literary work 

  • Students analyse characters, themes, and stylistic techniques 

  • Exam duration: 2 hours

Enrichment

  • Essay writing workshops (structure, analysis, A01–A04 skills) 

  • Grammar and translation masterclasses 

  • French Exchange 

  • Work Experience abroad-Blue stamp Travel 

  • Cultural trips  and university MFL taster days 

  • e.g. Manchester, Liverpool, Lancaster university sessions 

  • Research opportunities and support for the Independent Research Project (IRP)-Alliance Français 

  • Film and literature discussion groups-online and at universities/guest speakers 

  • Participation in national competitions (e.g. Stephen Spender Prize, Mother Tongue Other Tongue) 

  • Language mentoring and leading clubs or events for lower years through the Language Leader Award. 

  • Access to academic lectures and MFL excellence hubs 

  • Italian for beginners 

Where might it lead

Studying French enhances communication, cultural awareness, and problem-solving—skills that are valued in all careers. 

French pairs well with any degree course, including law, sciences, business, engineering, and the arts, and is highly regarded by both universities and employers. Speaking French also opens doors to opportunities across Europe, Africa, Canada, and parts of the Caribbean, where French is widely spoken. 

Potential careers include: 

  • Translator or interpreter (French English bilingual roles) 

  • International business and marketing, especially with French-speaking countries 

  • Travel and tourism, including work in French-speaking destinations 

  • Journalism and media, including foreign correspondence or bilingual roles 

  • Diplomatic service, such as working in embassies or for the Foreign Office 

  • Law and international relations, including EU or global organisations 

  • Teaching and education, in the UK or in French-speaking countries 

  • Linguistics and academic research, especially with Francophone focus 

  • NGO and charity work abroad, particularly in Africa and the developing world 

  • Hospitality and event management, with international client bases 

Contact

Mrs G Speakman – gsn@knutsfordacademy.org.uk Head of Languages

Spanish is the study of the Spanish language and the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. At Knutsford Academy, we aim to develop confident, spontaneous and fluent linguists who can communicate in real-life contexts and appreciate the richness and diversity of global Hispanic cultures. Our curriculum fosters a deep understanding of vocabulary, grammar and phonics, and builds sociolinguistic awareness through meaningful and purposeful communication. 

Course Summary

We study the Eduqas A Level Spanish specification. Students explore social, historical, political and artistic themes across the Spanish-speaking world, including youth culture, identity, cultural heritage, immigration and diversity. Students also study one film and one literary text, alongside an Independent Research Project (IRP). The A Level develops high-level grammatical accuracy, analytical skill, and intercultural awareness. Emphasis is placed on authentic resources, critical thinking and extended discussion in both spoken and written Spanish.

Assessment

Students take three components at the end of Year 13: 

  • Component 1: Speaking – 30% 

  • Part 1: Independent Research Project 

  • Part 2: Discussion on an A Level theme 

  • Conducted by the teacher/ examiner, 11–12 minutes + 15 mins prep 

  • Component 2: Listening, Reading and Translation – 50% 

  • Includes comprehension, summary, and translation (Spanish ↔ English) 

  • Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes 

  • Component 3: Critical Response in Writing – 20% 

  • Two essays: one on a film, one on a literary text 

  • Duration: 2 hours

Enrichment

  • Essay writing workshops (AO1–AO4, structure and analysis) 

  • Grammar and translation masterclasses 

  • Spanish Exchange or immersion experience 

  • Work experience abroad (e.g. with Blue Stamp Travel) 

  • University MFL taster days (Manchester, Liverpool, Lancaster) 

  • Independent Research Project (IRP) support 

  • National competitions (e.g. Mother Tongue Other Tongue, Stephen Spender Prize) 

  • Leadership roles: running clubs, mentoring, Language Leader Award 

  • Guest lectures and MFL Excellence Hubs 

  • Italian Beginners club 

Careers

Studying Spanish enhances communication, cultural awareness, and problem-solving—skills that are highly valued in all careers. 

Spanish complements any degree course, including law, sciences, business, medicine, engineering, and the arts, and is extremely well regarded by universities and employers. As one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, Spanish gives access to opportunities across Europe, Latin America, the USA, and parts of Africa. 

Potential careers include: 

  • Translator or interpreter (Spanish English bilingual roles) 

  • International business and marketing, particularly with Latin American and Spanish markets 

  • Travel and tourism, in Spanish-speaking countries or for international companies 

  • Journalism and media, including reporting, editing or bilingual content creation 

  • Diplomatic service, such as working in embassies or consulates 

  • Law and international relations, involving cross-border legal, political, or trade work 

  • Teaching and education, both in the UK and in Spanish-speaking countries 

  • Linguistics and academic research, with a focus on Hispanic culture and language 

  • NGO and charity work abroad, especially in Latin America and Africa 

  • Hospitality and event management, with international client bases 

Contact 

Mrs G Speakman – gsn@knutsfordacademy.org.uk Head of Languages

KS5 Languages Curriculum Maps

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