French Years 10 to 11

Why study GCSE French?

  • 75% of the world’s population do NOT speak English.
  • A foreign language gives you a competitive edge in the job’s market.  It’s a definite advantage to understand more than one language. Lots of universities now offer the opportunity to study abroad for part of their degree and some places even demand it at GCSE for certain degrees.
  • People cross continents and language barriers like never before. Technology now enables us to trade on an international level and we need people who can communicate in different languages.
  • We’re still part of Europe, and ought to be able to communicate with our fellow members.
  • We will still need to use European languages whether we’re part of the EU or not.
  • Learning a language is an exciting academic challenge and essential to develop one’s sense of empathy for and understanding of others in a global world.”

Assessment

  • 1 Listening exam. The Foundation paper is 35 minutes. The Higher paper is 45 minutes.
  • 1 Reading exam. The Foundation paper is 45 minutes. The Higher paper is 60 minutes.
  • 1 Speaking exam. The Foundation exam lasts between 7 – 9 minutes. The Higher exam lasts 10 – 12 mins.
  • 1 Writing exam. The Foundation paper is 1 hour and the Higher paper is 90 minutes.

Course Requirements

  • Communication skills in speaking and writing:  The ability to express ideas and thoughts fluently and with a good degree of accuracy is essential not only in your own language, but also when you communicate using a foreign language.  You will practise and master all the grammar you know and also learn more complex structures which will develop and enhance your language skills. You will also need to be able to translate into French with accuracy and this skill will be regularly practised.
  • Listening and reading skills: Good listening and reading skills are important when learning a foreign language.  You will get lots more practice to improve and develop your ability to listen to, read and understand French.

Subject                 Exam Board                        Internal                                                Exam Paper

————————————————————————————————————

French                  AQA                                       The speaking exam                          Listening 25%

                                                                           is conducted in school by                Reading 25%

                                                                           your teacher and then                     Speaking 25%

                                                                            sent away to be marked.                Writing 25%

How to support your child

We are sure that you already do many of these things to support your child but here is a useful reminder for you to refer to:

  • Ask them what they have learnt today. Get them to teach you!
  • Help them to structure revision for tests and assessments. Regular learning of a language is the most effective. Don’t worry if you‘re not confident. They will tell you what/ how to test them.
  • Encourage your child to go online and use the language learning websites linked below.
  • We have a subscription to Seneca which is also very good to help them learn and make progress. We give them the password in school and they can then access the site at home or on their phone.

Web Links

Additional Reading

We have a selection of French reading books pupils can borrow.