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French

If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.

- Nelson Mandela

Spanish is currently taught in Years 7-9 and French in Years 9-11 at The Grange.

Key Stage 4 French:Grange Spanish

Specification: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/gcse/french-8658

This course is for anyone who has already studied French in Year 9 and would like to be able to speak and understand a foreign language better! Students who speak a second (or third) language are greatly valued and sought after by employers. Many students know that most of the world’s population speak at least two languages and to compete for jobs (whatever you do!) in the future another language is a vital asset. GCSE French adds an international dimension to your choice of GCSE subjects, something both employers and higher education providers look for.

Course Overview

GCSE French builds on what you have learned in Key Stage 3, though you will meet new topics and learn more about the cultures and countries in which French is spoken. You will learn many skills which are useful in a wide range of future careers, such as the ability to communicate clearly, problem solve as well as creating greater opportunities to work abroad or for companies in the UK with international links. You will practise listening, speaking, reading and writing and will be helped to understand French in common situations you might meet in France or a French-speaking country. You will gain independence in how to use French to communicate your own ideas clearly and accurately with good pronunciation and by the end of the course will be able to communicate effectively over a broad range of topics. Students study all of the following themes:

Theme 1: Identity and culture
Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest
Theme 3: Current and future study and employment

GCSE French has a Foundation Tier (grades 1–5) and a Higher Tier (grades 4–9). Students must take all four question papers at the same tier. Papers are taken at the end of the course in Year 11. The four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing are each worth 25% of the exam.

Paper 1 - Listening:

This involves understanding and responding to different types of spoken language.

  • Written exam: 35 minutes (Foundation Tier), 45 minutes (Higher Tier) + 5 minutes reading time
  • 40 marks (Foundation Tier), 50 marks (Higher Tier)


Paper 2 Speaking:

Communicating and interacting effectively in speech for a variety of purposes

  • Non-examined assessment
  • 7–9 minutes (Foundation Tier) + preparation time, 10–12 minutes (Higher Tier) + preparation time
  • 60 marks (for each of Foundation Tier and Higher Tier)


Paper 3 Reading:

Understanding and responding to different types of written language

  • Written exam: 45 minutes (Foundation Tier), 1 hour (Higher Tier)
  • 60 marks (for each of Foundation Tier and Higher Tier)


Paper 4 Writing:

Communicating effectively in writing for a variety of purposes

  • Written exam: 1 hour (Foundation Tier), 1 hour 15 minutes (Higher Tier)
  • 50 marks at Foundation Tier and 60 marks at Higher Tier