GCSE French

GCSE French equips students with foundational skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, focusing on everyday topics and situations. The GCSE level is considered equivalent to a B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. The course typically involves four examination components: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The speaking exam often takes place before the main written exams.

Curriculum and Topics

The GCSE French curriculum is often divided into themes and subtopics, covering areas like identity, culture, local and global interests, and popular culture. A common theme structure includes:

Theme 1: Identity and Culture:

• Me, my family, and friends
• Technology in everyday life
• Free-time activities
• Customs and festivals in French-speaking countries/communities

Theme 2: Local, National, International, and Global Areas of Interest: Topics within this theme can include home, town, neighborhood, region, weather, transport, and asking for directions.

Theme 3: Popular Culture: This theme may cover free-time activities, customs, festivals, celebrations, and celebrity culture.

Exam Boards and Specifications

Several exam boards offer GCSE French qualifications, including AQA, Edexcel, and OCR. Each board has its own specification, outlining the curriculum content, assessment objectives, and exam format.

The AQA specification, for example, includes four exam papers: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students are typically required to take all four papers at the same tier (Foundation or Higher).

Revision and Resources

Numerous revision resources are available to support GCSE French students, including textbooks, revision guides, past papers, and online platforms. These resources cover vocabulary, grammar, exam techniques, and practice questions. Some popular online platforms include BBC Bitesize, Seneca Learning, and Quizlet. Past papers are essential for familiarizing oneself with the exam format and question types.