Course Content
Component 1: Being a young person in French speaking society
Students will focus on the themes of Families and citizenship; Youth trends and personal identity; Education and employment opportunities.
Component 2: Understanding the French speaking world
Students will learn about Regional cultures and heritage in France, French-speaking countries and communities as well as Media, art, film and music in the French-speaking world.
Component 3: Diversity and difference
Student will study the topics of Migration and integration; Cultural identity and marginalisation; Cultural enrichment and celebrating difference; Discrimination and diversity.
Component 4: France 1940-1950 – The Occupation and the post-war years
Students will learn about June 1940–May 1945; the cultural dimension in occupied France during 1945-1950.
| Component | Assessment | Duration | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1: Speaking exam | Speaking exam | 25m | 30% |
| 2: Listening, Reading, Translation | Written exam | 2h 30m | 50% |
| 3: Critical and analytical response in writing | Written exam | 2h | 20% |
Year 12
Half Term 1 (Sept-Nov)
Half Term 2 (Nov – Dec)
Half Term 3 (Jan – Feb)
Half Term 4 (Feb – March)
Half Term 5 (April – May)
Half Term 6 (May – July)
Half Term 1 (Sept-Nov)
Focus and Topic
- Consolidating baseline writing skills and grammar
Core Knowledge
- Present, passé composé, imparfait, futur simple review
- Basic connectors: et, mais, parce que, cependant
- Gender, adjective agreement, pronouns
Core Skills
- Writing coherent paragraphs on familiar topics (family, daily life, hobbies)
- Translating simple sentences from English → French
- Proofreading for accents and spelling
Assessment
- Short paragraph writing task
- Mini translation exercises
Half Term 2 (Nov – Dec)
Focus and Topic
- Consolidating baseline writing skills and grammar
Core Knowledge
- Present, passé composé, imparfait, futur simple review
- Basic connectors: et, mais, parce que, cependant
- Gender, adjective agreement, pronouns
Core Skills
- Writing coherent paragraphs on familiar topics (family, daily life, hobbies)
- Translating simple sentences from English → French
- Proofreading for accents and spelling
Assessment
- Short paragraph writing task
- Mini translation exercises
Half Term 3 (Jan – Feb)
Focus
- Using futur, conditionnel, and hypothetical structure
Core Knowledge
- Futur simple and conditionnel
- Si clauses: si + présent → futur / si + imparfait → conditionnel
- Speculation phrases: probablement, peut-être, il est possible que
Core Skills
- Writing essays predicting future trends or giving advice
- Translating sentences using future and conditional forms
- Expressing hypotheses clearly in writing
Assessment
- Short essay on future plans or societal issues
- Translation focusing on futur and conditionnel
Half Term 4 (Feb – March)
Focus
- Linking ideas for coherent extended writing
Core Knowledge
- Complex connectors: de plus, donc, cependant, tandis que
- Subjunctive in noun clauses: il faut que, je souhaite que, il est important que
- Reflexive and passive constructions
Core Skills
- Writing coherent essays on cultural topics
- Integrating opinions and reasons using varied structures
- Translating sentences requiring complex connectors and subjunctive
Assessment
- Essay on a cultural or current affairs topic
- Translation exercise using subjunctive and connectors
Half Term 5 (April – May)
Focus
- Using French to discuss cultural, political, and social issues
Core Knowledge
- Topics: immigration, gender equality, environment, technology, politics
- Key thematic vocabulary and phrases
Core Skills
- Writing extended responses giving detailed arguments
- Justifying opinions with examples
- Translating nuanced English sentences about social issues
Assessment
- Extended writing essay on a contemporary issue
- Translation focusing on topic-specific vocabulary
Half Term 6 (May – July)
Focus
- Preparing for literature/film essay writing
Core Knowledge
- Key themes in French literature or film (AQA set texts/films)
- Literary devices and opinions (symbolise, représente, reflète)
Core Skills
- Writing analytical paragraphs and essays
- Using comparative structures: plus… que, moins… que, tandis que
- Translating sentences discussing literature or culture
Focus
- Short analytical essay on a text or film extract
- Translation task with cultural/literary content
Year 13
Half Term 1 (Sept-Nov)
Half Term 2 (Nov – Dec)
Half Term 3 (Jan – Feb)
Half Term 4 (Feb – March)
Half Term 5 (April – May)
Half Term 6 (May – July)
Half Term 1 (Sept-Nov)
Focus and Topic
- Applying writing and translation skills under timed conditions
Core Knowledge
- Exam format review: essay planning, time management
- Mark scheme understanding
Core Skills
- Planning and writing essays within timed condition
- Self-checking for grammar, vocabulary, and coherence
- Translating longer passages efficiently
Assessment
- Timed essay practice on a set topic
- Full-length translation from English → French
Half Term 2 (Nov – Dec)
Focus and Topic
- Consolidation of all writing and translation skills
Core Knowledge
- Review of all tenses, grammar, and vocabulary
- Common idioms and advanced phrases for essays
Core Skills
- Producing polished, structured essays with varied language
- Accurate and fluent translations
- Applying exam technique confidently
Assessment
- Full-length writing mock: essay + translation
- Teacher feedback on accuracy, coherence, and style
Half Term 3 (Jan – Feb)
Focus
- Writing analytical essays on set texts or films
Core Knowledge
- Literary and cinematic devices: symbolism, narrative perspective, themes
- Comparing texts or films: similarities and contrasts
- Key vocabulary: thème, motif, personnage, scène, réalisateur
Core Skills
- Writing coherent analytical paragraphs with textual evidence
- Comparing cultural/literary aspects using comparative structures
- Translating sentences discussing literature or film analysis
Assessment
- Analytical essay on a literary text or film extract
- Translation exercise involving cultural/literary terminology
Half Term 4 (Feb – March)
Focus
- Writing essays on social, political, and cultural topics
Core Knowledge
- Topics: immigration, politics, gender equality, environmental issues, technology, cultural identity
- Key vocabulary and idiomatic phrases for debating issues
Core Skills
- Structuring essays with clear introduction, argument, and conclusion
- Presenting justified opinions with supporting examples
- Translating nuanced English paragraphs on contemporary issues
Assessment
- Extended essay on a social or cultural topic
- Translation exercise using topic-specific vocabulary and structures
Half Term 5 (April – May)
Focus
- Writing analytical essays on set texts or films
Core Knowledge
- Recap of half term 3
Core Skills
- Recap of half term 3
Assessment
- Recap of half term 3
Half Term 6 (May – July)
Focus
- N/A
Core Knowledge
- N/A
Core Skills
- N/A
Focus
- N/A
Key Info
- Start Date: September 2026
- Awarding Body: Eduqas
- Study Mode: Full Time
- Course Length: 2 Years
Entry Requirements
TBC
Complementary Subjects
The course content also compliments studies in English Language and English Literature.
Career Opportunities
A GCE qualification in a foreign language is an essential prerequisite if you want to work as an interpreter, a translator or a Languages secondary school teacher.
It also provides an excellent foundation for students to pursue careers in foreign civil service, airline services, advertising, editing and publishing, subtitles and voice-overs, event management, import/export, hotel management, diplomatic services, logistics and distribution, marketing, sales and tourism.