Why Study French?

French is a language spoken all over the world. There are strong historical, cultural and trading links between Britain and France and at a local level between Bury and Angouleme. It is an official language of the European Union and the United Nations. By continuing with French, you are increasing your career options. In the enlarged European trade market those speaking French, as one of the business languages most in demand will enjoy more opportunities than ever. Please note – you will only be able to opt for French if you are currently studying French in Year 9.

Course Content & Development of Expertise

You will continue to develop your language skills within three main areas:

  • Identity and culture: Family, Friends, Technology and Free time
  • Local, national, international and global areas of interest: Home, Town, Region, Social issues and the Environment
  • Current and future study and employment: School, Post-16, Jobs, Career choices and Ambitions

You will learn how to speak, read, write in French and understand spoken French in a variety of situations. You will develop your knowledge of French Grammar.

Career Pathways

Employers are always keen to have someone with knowledge of French working with them. France is one of our most important trading partners in  Europe  and many British firms have branches in France, just as there are as many French companies investing in Britain. We cannot walk down the main street of any British town today without seeing French brand names: Peugeot, Renault, Dior, Louis Vitton, L’Oreal, Chanel, Total, Michelin, Bic, Citroen, Evian, Activia, Yves Saint Laurent  and many more.

You will be assessed in each of the four language skills at the end of Year 11. With the new exam, if you are entered as a Foundation candidate, you will do the Foundation paper in all 4 skills. Equally, if you are entered as a Higher candidate, you will be entered for Higher for all 4 skills. There is no mixing and matching.

Qualification Information

Optional Subject

Qualification: GCSE French

Awarding Body: AQA

Entry Tiers: Higher or Foundation

Assessment Structure

  1. Listening:
    Worth 25% of the final GCSE Grade
    Written exam – 35 minutes (Foundation Tier), 45 minutes (Higher Tier)
    40 marks (Foundation Tier), 50 marks (Higher Tier)
    Set and marked by AQA
    Some questions and answers in English, some in French
  1. Reading:
    Worth 25% of the final GCSE grade
    Written exam: 45 minutes (Foundation Tier), 1 hour (Higher Tier)
    60 marks (for each of Foundation Tier and Higher Tier)
    Set and marked by AQA
    Some questions and answers in French, some in English
    This paper will also include a translation from French into English
  1. Speaking:
    Worth 25% of the final GCSE grade
    Terminal speaking test including role-play, photo card description and an extended conversation based on two topics
    Role-play – 15 marks- 2 mins at Foundation Tier; 2 mins at Higher
    Photo card – 15 marks-2 mins at Foundation Tier; 3 mins at Higher
    Conversation– 30 marks-3–5 mins at Foundation; 5–7 mins at Higher
    Conducted by the Teacher and marked by AQA
  1. Writing:
    Worth 25% of the final GCSE grade
    A written exam- 1 hour (Foundation Tier), 1 hour 15 minutes (Higher Tier)
    50 marks at Foundation Tier and 60 marks at Higher Tier
    Set and marked by AQA
    Some questions and answers in French, some in English
    This paper will also include a translation out of English into French