The WJEC GCSEs in French have been designed to enable you to use languages in meaningful ways. You will learn how to understand the language and communicate in both speaking in writing in realistic settings. You will also develop an awareness of the culture and society of the countries and communities where the language is spoken and make connections with your own language and culture.
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
The course has 4 units. Two are assessed in examinations in the final year of study. The other two units are completed as non-examination assessments in your classroom, also in your final year of study. You will learn useful language that you could use in situations relating to leisure and wellbeing, travel and study or work.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
UNIT 1 - Oracy
Unit 1 is a non-examination assessment of speaking and listening and will be conducted by your teacher. Firstly, you will read aloud a short sentence to show your understanding of French pronunciation. You will then take part in a role play. After this, you will give a short one-minute presentation that you will have prepared in advance and have a short discussion with your teacher about your presentation. Finally, you will take part in a short conversation with your teacher. This unit is worth 30% of the qualification.
UNIT 2 - Reading and Writing
Unit 2 is also a non-examination assessment that you will complete in your classroom. With your classmates, you will study a short work (either a graphic novel, short story, film script or novel) in French. You will then write a written response (up to 200 words) in French about the short story/graphic novel or film script you have studied. This unit is worth 15% of the qualification.
Unit 3 - Listening
Unit 3 is a listening examination worth 20% of the qualification. You will listen a range of speakers in French and will demonstrate your understanding of what you have heard by for example, answering multiple choice questions or questions in English
Unit 4 - Reading and Writing
Unit 4 is a written examination worth 35% of the qualification. For this assessment, you will read texts in French and answers questions on them in English. You will also be required to complete a translation into English. Finally, you will be able to demonstrate your written language skills by writing up to 120 words in French from a choice of 3 questions.
WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP?
CAREERS IN FRENCH
A GCSE in French can open up a world of opportunities to you. There are a wide range of career paths that you could follow with a GCSE in languages, including within the more traditionally linked tourist industry, armed forces, language services such as translation and interpreting, teaching and social services.
However, the great advantage of having skills in another language is that they can serve you throughout your life and career; not only useful for travel, making friends and developing a general appreciation and understanding of others' identity and culture, but also potentially useful for ANY chosen career.
A qualification in International Languages shows that you are a good communicator, are willing to learn, adapt and step out of your "comfort zone" - highly desirable for any prospective employer. It may also interest you to know that in today's global business world, employees with skills in international languages are known to attract higher salaries! What's not to like?