French Key Stage 4

The GCSE course provides progression from KS3 and can also act as a springboard to post-16 studies. It also makes a valuable addition to your other studies at GCSE and beyond, putting you at a distinct advantage when it comes to applying for a job or a further course of education. You will develop your skills in all kinds of different areas, including those which relate to the world of work.

We use ICT wherever possible and pupils enjoy using the specifically designed software to help them with their grammar, vocabulary building and exam techniques. We believe that it is vital for every student to understand their own preferred learning styles and how these can impact upon their progress and attainment, so ongoing analysis of your own learning strengths and areas for development is crucial to success on this course. Some pupils are “Fast-Tracked” and embark early on the GCSE course, beginning in Year 9 and taking their exams at the end of Year 10.

We follow the AQA full course which ends in external exams for Listening and Reading, plus a recorded Speaking exam which is conducted by your teacher after a great deal of preparation. Writing is assessed via coursework, which is completed over the five terms of the GCSE course. The AQA syllabus is divided into four themes as follows: My World, Holiday Time and Travel, Work and Lifestyle and The Young Person in Society. During the course you will be encouraged to learn more about the French language, its grammar and the culture of the countries where it is spoken. Pupils also get the chance to participate in a project link with a school in France.