French
Course Length
Two years (or one year depending on individual circumstances).
The course
French is an interesting and challenging subject that equips students with the skills to communicate confidently in French in a range of everyday situations. The five main themes of the course are the following: identity and culture, local area with holiday and travel, school, future aspirations with study and work, and finally international and global dimension. Students will develop an awareness and understanding of the culture and identity of the countries and communities where French is spoken. The course provides an excellent foundation for the study of French at A level.
The six main themes of the course are the following: • My personal world • Lifestyle and wellbeing • My neighbourhood • Media and technology • Studying and my future • Travel and tourism
What skills do I need?
You need willingness to work hard at your grammar on a regular basis. You will also have to learn and relearn the vocabulary for each topic. The aim is to acquire the sufficient tools to be able to produce spoken or written responses in different contexts.
How is the course assessed?
There are four exams sat at the end of the course, in Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. Each exam is worth 25% of your overall grade. You are entered for the same tier, Foundation (F) or Higher (H), for all four papers.
Listening: (2 tasks) listening comprehension (questions and answers in English), dictation (French into French).
Speaking: (3 tasks) reading aloud and answer two questions, role-play, picture task with conversation.
Reading: (2 tasks) reading comprehension (questions and answers in English), translation from French to English.
Writing Foundation: (4 tasks) picture-based task, formal writing (40-50 words, informal writing (80-90 words), translation (English into French).
Writing Higher: (3 tasks) informal writing (80-90 words, formal writing (130-150 words), translation (English into French).
Reading
(provided by college)
Studio – Edexcel GCSE (9-1) French Higher
By Clive Bell, Anneli McLachlan & Gill Ramage
ISBN 9781292117836
French/English dictionary is not provided but is essential. Please note that dictionaries are not allowed in any of the exams.
Exam Board and Specification Codes
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) in French (1FR1)
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