Years 7 to 9
Course overview
Learning a new language is an exciting journey, and from day one in Year 7, your child will be speaking French in class! Whether they’ve had experience with languages at primary school or are starting fresh, our engaging lessons ensure every student gains the confidence to communicate with their peers.
What will students study?
We begin in September with the essentials—how to introduce yourself and share personal details. As they progress through Years 7, 8, and 9, students will explore vibrant topics such as home life, family, pets, and school. They’ll learn to express opinions and talk about themselves in increasingly complex ways, building a solid foundation in both spoken and written French.
Years 10 and 11
Awarding Body
Pearson Edexcel
Course overview
Students will develop their French language skills to their full potential, equipping them with the knowledge to communicate in a variety of contexts with confidence.
What will students study?
Students study all of the following themes on which the assessments are based.
Theme 1: My personal world
Theme 2: Lifestyle and wellbeing
Theme 3: My neighbourhood
Theme 4: Media and technology
Theme 5: Studying and my future
Theme 6: Travel and tourism
Assessment
GCSE French has a foundation tier (grades 1–5) and a higher tier (grades 4–9) examination paper. Students must take all four question papers at the same tier. All question papers are sat at the end of the course. The speaking exam is conducted by a member of team MFL – in most instances this is the class teacher.
Paper 1: Speaking
What is assessed?
Communicating and interacting effectively in speech for a variety of purposes.
Non-examined assessment: 7-9 minutes (foundation tier), 10-12 minutes (higher tier), 50 marks
25% of GCSE
Paper 2: Listening and understanding
What is assessed?
Understanding and responding to different types of spoken language.
Written exam: 45 minutes (foundation tier), 60 minutes (higher tier) 50 marks
25% of GCSE
Paper 3: Reading and understanding
What is assessed?
Understanding and responding to different types of written language.
Written exam: 45 minutes (foundation tier), 1 hour (higher tier) 50 marks
25% of GCSE
Paper 4: Writing
What is assessed?
Communicating effectively in writing for a variety of purposes.
Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes (foundation tier), 1 hour 20 minutes (higher tier) 50 marks 25% of GCSE.
Recommended revision guides / course resources
