GCSE French will build on the skills and knowledge gained in Key Stage 3 and extend them into more sophisticated contexts. The course, which is examined at either Foundation or Higher level, will lead to the full range of GCSE grades.

Theme 1: Identity and culture

• Topic 1 – Me, my family & friends
• Topic 2 – Technology in everyday life
• Topic 3 – Free-time activities

Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest

• Topic 1 – Home, town, neighbourhood and region
• Topic 2 – Social issues
• Topic 3 – Global issues
• Topic 4 – Travel and tourism

Theme 3: Current and future study and employment

• Topic 1 – My studies
• Topic 2 – Life at school/college
• Topic 3 – Education post-16
• Topic 4 – Jobs, career choices and ambitions

Students will also have the opportunity to undertake a study trip to Paris in May of Year 10. This will complement their GCSE French studies and allow students to practise the language in an authentic setting.

Students will be examined in the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, all of which are assessed with a final exam at the end of Year 11. Each skill accounts for 25% of the final exam.

There are various Sixth Forms and Colleges around the local area where you can study A-level and BTEC qualifications. To give you an indication of the grades you may require, if you achieve grade 9-6 in GCSE French you could study A-level French at Bourne Academy Sixth Form.

Languages are part of the cultural richness of our society and the world in which we live and work. Learning languages contributes to mutual understanding, a sense of global citizenship and personal fulfilment. Students learn to appreciate different countries, cultures, communities and people. By making comparisons, they gain insight into their own culture and society. The ability to understand and communicate in another language is a lifelong skill for education, employment and leisure in this country and throughout the world.