A-LEVEL TUTORING
Expert A-Level French Tutors
in Hong Kong
A-Level French is a rigorous and stimulating course available for study in Hong Kong. Representing a significant jump in difficulty as compared to the IGCSE, A-Level French students are challenged to improve their knowledge and use of the language through a variety of components. Understandably, this can be difficult for students. That's why BartyED's expert team of French tutors are available to support students in improving their confidence and performance in A-Level French.
Common challenges for A-Level French
| The challenge | How BartyED helps |
|---|---|
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Studying set texts/works in French |
Regardless of exam board, A-Level French students must study either a literary or filmic text in French. This represents a significant jump up from IGCSE for students, as they must not only understand the language, but be able to discuss the work's themes, ideas and techniques to a strong standard. Our tutors work with students to develop their knowledge of their texts, as well as improve their confidence when discussing them. |
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Understanding complex grammatical structures |
French A-Level requires students to use a variety of grammatical structures in the language, including more advanced verb tenses. This can be overwhelming for students. BartyED's expert French tutors demystify the process of learning French grammar and focus on the mechanics, so that students can confidently identify grammatical forms and employ them for themselves. |
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Producing accurate written and conversational French |
Extended writing in a foreign language can be a challenge for any student, and that includes those studying A-Level French. BartyED's French tutors are fluent speakers themselves, and understand how to build both accuracy and fluency in their students. |
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Translating for sense, and avoiding transliteration |
A potentially unfamiliar task for many A-Level French students is extended translating. Balancing the need to accurately convey meaning and sense can be difficult, and result in transliteration. Our tutors hold students to account on both their accuracy and fluency, allowing them to build confidence and vocabulary in this task. |
WHAT CLIENTS SAY
Success stories
Our students have gone on to Oxford, Edinburgh, UCL, Duke, Brown, and Harvard.
THE BARTYED DIFFERENCE
Why BartyED for French Tutoring?
Truly fluent French tutors
BartyED's team of expert French tutors are graduates from some of the world's top universities, including ANU and the University of Oxford, as well as being educated in France. Our tutors understand how French is used in practice, as well as academically.
Mastery of skills
Our tutors encourage students to master key skills in French, including grammar and precise deployment of vocabulary. In addition, they encourage students to practise either producing or understanding French each day through targeted exercises, and general consumption of the language.
Attention paid to productive and receptive skills
To build fluency, it is essential to pay attention to both receptive and productive uses of the language (reading and listening, versus speaking and writing, respectively). BartyED's team of French tutors encourage progress across all skills and balance student attainment.
WHAT WE COVER
Explore A-Level subjects we tutor
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A-Level French exam boards and assessment
A-Level French is offered by both Cambridge International (CIE) and Pearson Edexcel in Hong Kong. While their respective syllabuses are of comparable difficulty, there are notable differences between them. CIE has a decidedly literary focus to their exams, whereas Edexcel prioritises traditional receptive and productive language skills.
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| Assessment Component | CIE | Pearson Edexcel |
|---|---|---|
Paper 1 |
The Reading paper: candidates answer a series of questions responding to short texts written in French. There are 40 marks available (1 hour 30 minutes, worth around 33% of the final grade). |
Listening, reading and translation: Split across three sections, this exam assesses students' receptive skills in French across a range of exercises. There are 80 marks available (2 hours, worth 40% of the final grade). |
Paper 2 |
The Writing paper: candidates produce two written responses in French, one argumentative/discursive, and one narrative/descriptive writing task. There are 40 marks available (2 hours, worth around 33% of the final grade). |
Written response to work and translation: Students answer essay questions based on their set text(s) (either prose or film), in addition to translating from English into French. There are 120 marks available (2 hours 40 minutes, worth 30% of the final grade). |
Paper 3 |
The Literature paper: candidates respond to two essay questions based on a French literary text studied in class. One general essay question, and an extract-based question. There are 40 marks available (2 hours, worth 33% of the final grade). |
Speaking exam: students sustain a conversation in French around one of the 4 studied themes in class. In the second part of the exam, candidates present their independent research on a topic related to their French studies. There are 72 marks available (between 21–23 minutes, worth 30% of the final grade). |
BartyED ensures high-quality A-Level French tutoring
From our strict hiring process, through our comprehensive on-going tutor training, BartyED places a strong emphasis on teaching quality. Our reputation for rigour is at the heart of what we do.
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| Quality marker | What it involves | Impact on teaching |
|---|---|---|
3-phase hiring process |
Our 3-phase hiring process consists of a structured interview with Jerome, a written exam across proposed subject areas, and an engagement session to assess teaching style. |
A strong CV is not enough: candidates need to demonstrate strong subject knowledge, resilience and adaptability. We place our bar deliberately high in the full knowledge that most candidates will fail. Our students will benefit from the strong communication skills and pedagogical passion of the best applicants. |
Rigorous training programme |
Once hired, candidates undergo a six-month training programme to ensure deep subject and curriculum knowledge. This is conducted by our Heads of STEM and English/Humanities, and overseen by our Director of Studies. |
The A-Level examiners know their own curriculum, so it's essential that we do, too. Our training programmes are designed to instil strong academic rigour, and consistent teaching across subjects. |
On-going professional development |
Whether in exam board-led workshops on the latest changes to the A-Level French marking criteria, or knowledge sharing across the team in informal sessions to improve our support of neurodiverse students, our A-Level French tutors benefit from continued professional development. |
A-Level specifications and mark schemes are subject to change and adaptation. It's essential for teaching quality that our A-Level French tutors are ready and aware of all developments so we can maintain our exemplary support of all students. |
While you don't need French IGCSE to take French A-Level, the A-Level is not a beginner's course. Candidates in French A-Level should have an equivalent standard of French at the start of the course, or they will risk struggling throughout their studies.
The relative difficulty depends on the student. French A-Level is designed to challenge students, but if you have an interest in Modern Foreign Languages, it can also be a fun and stimulating course. Consult with your A-Level advisor if you are considering taking French A-Level.
Yes, you will likely have to read at least one literary text in French during your A-Level course. These are set texts, meaning your teacher will select one and assign it to the class. You may also perform a study of a French film, depending on your school's A-Level syllabus.
So long as you have the required level of French to study the course, you can take French A-Level as a private candidate. BartyED's French tutors support students taking exams both through school as well as privately. For those with a strong aptitude in the subject, taking an exam privately can be a great way to demonstrate academic skills to prospective colleges and universities.
Get in touch.
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FURTHER READING