Why should I study this subject?
Studying a language significantly enhances future employability, as the skills, discipline and analytical thinking developed through language learning are highly valued by universities and employers alike. GCSE French develops strong communication skills, problem-solving ability and cultural awareness, all of which are transferable across a wide range of subjects and careers.
Following the Edexcel GCSE French specification, students build confidence in listening, speaking, reading and writing, while learning to communicate clearly and accurately in a variety of real-life situations. The course encourages students to express opinions, justify ideas and use language creatively.
Learning French also opens the door to a rich cultural world, enabling students to enjoy a wider range of books, films and music in the original language, and to engage more fully with French-speaking cultures around the world.
What will I study?
The course focuses on developing the four key language skills – speaking, listening, reading, and writing – through key themes.
Core Topics
- My Personal World – family, friends, routines, time frames
- Lifestyle & Wellbeing – health, food, habits, social issues
- My Neighbourhood – local area, directions, activities
- Media & Technology – social media, entertainment, online life
- Studying & My Future – education, careers, ambitions
- Travel & Tourism – holidays, culture, transport
All GCSE content in Years 10–11 builds on prior learning from Key Stage 3.
Key Skills
- Listening – understanding spoken French
- Speaking – conversations, presentations, picture-based tasks
- Reading – comprehension of written texts
- Writing – structured responses from sentences to paragraphs
How will I be assessed?
The exam board for French is Edexcel. The qualification is made up of four components, all assessed in the May/June examination series, with the speaking assessment taking place in April/May. Each component contributes 25% to the overall grade.
The qualification consists of three externally-examined papers separately assessing listening, reading and writing, and one speaking assessment set by Pearson and conducted by a teacher.
Paper 1: Speaking
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Speaking assessment: 7–9 minutes (Foundation), 10–12 minutes (Higher)
- 50 marks
- 25% of GCSE
Paper 2: Listening and Understanding
- Written exam: 45 minutes (Foundation), 60 minutes (Higher)
- 50 marks
- 25% of GCSE
Paper 3: Reading
- Written exam: 45 minutes (Foundation), 60 minutes (Higher)
- 50 marks
- 25% of GCSE
Paper 3: Writing
- Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes (Foundation), 1 hour 20 minutes (Higher)
- 50 marks
- 25% of GCSE
Are there higher and foundation tiers?
Yes. There is a foundation tier with grades from 1-5 and a higher tier with grades 4-9. Decisions on entries are made after extensive testing of pupils throughout the course and in consultation with pupils and parents where appropriate.
Students need to be entered for a single tier across all papers.
Will this course be good preparation for post-16 study?
This course helps you build confidence in learning new skills, thinking clearly, and expressing your ideas. It prepares you for A Levels such as French and other languages by developing strong communication, memory, and problem-solving skills. You will learn how to understand new information and use it accurately, which will support you in many post-16 subjects and give you valuable skills for future study and careers.
What are the next steps?
To study GCSE French, you will need to choose it from the Option 3 block. For further information about the subject, please email
