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International GCSE in French

Pearson Edexcel – Qualification Code: 4FR1

Why Study This Course?

The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in French is designed for students who want to develop their ability to communicate effectively in one of the world’s most widely spoken languages. The course focuses on developing listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills in real-life contexts, helping students build fluency and confidence.

This course is ideal for students who:

  • Wish to develop practical language skills for travel, work, and further study.
  • Have an interest in French culture, history, and society.
  • Are considering A-Level French or careers in international business, diplomacy, or translation.
  • Want to gain a globally recognised qualification in a modern foreign language.

Who is This Course For?

This course is suitable for students who:

  • Enjoy learning and using a foreign language in real-world situations.
  • Want to develop confidence and fluency in spoken and written French.
  • Are considering future studies in languages, international relations, or global careers.
  • Wish to improve communication and problem-solving skills.

The course is designed around real-life themes, allowing students to engage in meaningful conversations.

Theme 1: Home and Abroad

  • Life in towns and rural areas.
  • Holidays, tourist information, and directions.
  • Customs and traditions in French-speaking countries.

Theme 2: Education and Employment

  • School life and future career plans.
  • School rules, trips, and exchanges.
  • Work experience, jobs, and volunteering.

Theme 3: Personal Life and Relationships

  • Family, friendships, and social networks.
  • Daily routines and home life.
  • Role models and personal aspirations.

Theme 4: The World Around Us

  • Environmental issues and sustainability.
  • Media, technology, and communication.
  • Travel, transport, and global connections.

Theme 5: Social Activities, Fitness, and Health

  • Hobbies, interests, and sports.
  • Shopping, food, and healthy living.
  • Celebrations, festivals, and cultural events.

The course builds a strong foundation in French grammar, enabling students to communicate accurately and effectively.

Key Grammar Topics Include:

  • Present, past, future, and conditional tenses.
  • Sentence structure and word order.
  • Pronouns (subject, object, and relative).
  • Comparative and superlative adjectives.
  • Subjunctive mood in commonly used expressions.
  • Prepositions and conjunctions.
  • Use of modal verbs (pouvoir, devoir, vouloir, etc.).
  • Question forms and negations.
  • Reflexive and irregular verbs.

The course assesses students based on the following objectives:

Objective Description Weighting
AO1 Understand and respond to spoken French 25%
AO2 Communicate in writing using a range of vocabulary and structures 25%
AO3 Understand and respond to written French texts 25%
AO4 Communicate effectively in spoken French 25%

Develops Practical Communication Skills

Students gain the ability to speak and write fluently in French, improving both their language proficiency and cultural awareness.

Recognised by Top Universities

The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in French is widely recognised by universities and employers worldwide, providing a strong foundation for A-Level French and higher education.

Preparation for Future Career Opportunities

French is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, and fluency in French is highly valued in international business, tourism, and diplomacy.

Engaging and Culturally Relevant Content

Students explore authentic French texts, media, and cultural materials, making learning immersive and enjoyable.

Course Structure

The qualification consists of three externally assessed components:

Paper 1: Listening (25%)

Exam Duration

30 minutes (+5 minutes reading time)

Assessment Format

External examination

Skills Assessed

  • Understanding spoken French across different accents and contexts.
  • Extracting main points and details from conversations and monologues.
  • Identifying attitudes, emotions, and opinions in spoken discourse.

Paper 2: Reading and Writing (50%)

Exam Duration

1 hour 45 minutes

Assessment Format

External examination

Skills Assessed

  • Understanding written French texts from advertisements, articles, and emails.
  • Extracting key information, opinions, and implied meanings.
  • Writing short and extended texts, such as formal and informal letters, essays, and messages.
  • Using correct grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structures.

Paper 3: Speaking (25%)

Exam Duration

8-10 minutes

Assessment Format

External examination

Skills Assessed

  • Engaging in structured conversations on set topics.
  • Describing and discussing personal experiences and opinions.
  • Answering spontaneous questions in French.
  • Demonstrating fluency, pronunciation, and grammatical accuracy.

Each component focuses on different language skills and is assessed separately.

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