What Will I Learn?
The GCSE French course is organised around 3 main themes which are relevant and topical in the life of young people today.
Theme 1: Identity and Culture (me, my family and friends, technology in everyday life, free-time activities and customs and festivals in french-speaking countries/communities)
Theme 2: Local, National, International and Global Areas of Interest ( home, town, neighbourhood and region, social and global issues and travel and tourism)
Theme 3: Current and Future Study and Employment (my studies, life at school/college, education post-16 and jobs, career choices and ambitions )
Through the study of these different topics you will further develop key skills such as listening, reading and translation, and the ability to communicate confidently and coherently with native speakers in speaking and writing, conveying what you want to say with increasing accuracy, spontaneity and fluency. The GCSE course will allow you to deepen your knowledge about how the French language works and to develop your understanding of the culture and identity of the countries and communities where French is spoken.
How Am I Assessed?
The course comprises four exams which are all equally weighted in the skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. The oral examination is completed in year 11 and includes a role play, a description of a photo and a general conversation. All other skills are completed at the end of year 11 giving you plenty of time to develop your language skills. There are two tiers for the examination. Foundation assesses grades 1—5 and Higher assesses grades 4—9.
What Career Options Do I Have?
A GCSE in French would form part of the EBacc which is recommended by Britain’s most prestigious universities for a variety of courses which are not solely language based. It would also lead on to further study of French at A Level or the ab initio study of another language at University.
A GCSE language would support careers in sectors such as Advertising and Marketing, Hospitality and Tourism, International Business and Management Consultancy. Other more traditional roles include translating and interpreting.
Language skills are in demand more than ever before as, due to Brexit, companies can no longer rely on standard procedures with more face to face interaction being of vital importance for a company’s success.