Overview 

GCSE French at Key Stage 4 enables students to develop practical communication skills in French and build confidence in understanding and using the language in real-life contexts. The specification places an emphasis on clear vocabulary knowledge, phonics, and real-world communication, making the subject more accessible and structured for all learners. Students study a defined body of vocabulary and grammar while developing the four key skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Cultural understanding of the French-speaking world is integrated throughout. 

Curriculum Intent 

The French curriculum aims to: 

• Develop confident communicators who can use French in everyday situations 

• Ensure secure knowledge of core vocabulary (1,200–1,700 words) and grammar  

• Build strong phonics and pronunciation skills 

• Enable students to understand and respond to spoken and written language 

• Encourage spontaneous communication through speaking and writing 

• Develop cultural awareness of French-speaking countries 

• Foster independence, resilience, and enjoyment of language learning 

Key knowledge and skills: 

• Defined vocabulary linked to themes and topics 

• Grammar taught in context (present, past, future, conditional) 

• Phonics and sound–spelling correspondences 

• Fluency and accuracy in speaking and writing 

• Listening and reading comprehension strategies 

Curriculum Implementation 

Teaching Approach 

• Explicit teaching of prescribed vocabulary lists for Foundation and Higher tiers  

• Strong focus on phonics and pronunciation (reading aloud and dictation practice)  

• Grammar taught through meaningful contexts rather than in isolation 

• Frequent retrieval practice and interleaving of vocabulary 

• Regular practice of spontaneous speaking and exam-style tasks 

Sequencing of Learning 

• Curriculum structured around the three themes:  

1. People and lifestyle 

2. Popular culture 

3. Communication and the world around us  

• Vocabulary and grammar are carefully sequenced and revisited 

• Increased complexity over time, moving from simple to extended responses 

• Early introduction of phonics and dictation skills 

Assessment 

• Four externally assessed papers (25% each): Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing  

• Ongoing formative assessment (vocabulary tests, end of unit assessments, quizzes, speaking tasks) 

• Mock exams in Year 10 and Year 11 

• Assessment objectives now emphasise comprehension and application of language  

Curriculum Impact 

Success is measured through: 

• Student progress in the four skills with increasing independence 

• Secure retention and accurate use of core vocabulary 

• Improved pronunciation and phonics awareness 

• GCSE outcomes in line with national expectations 

• Student confidence in spontaneous communication 

• High-quality spoken and written responses using multiple tenses 

• Positive student voice reflecting engagement with the subject 

Curriculum Structure 

Key Stage 4

Year	Topics / Units	Key Knowledge & Skills
10	Theme 1: People and lifestyle (identity, relationships, health, lifestyle, education)	Core vocabulary acquisition, phonics, present tense mastery, introduction to past and future tenses, expressing opinions, developing pronunciation and listening skills
11	Theme 2: Popular culture (free time, media, festivals, celebrities)  Theme 3: Communication and the world around us (travel, environment, technology, global issues)   Revision of all themes	Secure use of multiple tenses, complex structures (e.g. si clauses), extended writing and speaking, fluency, exam technique, dictation and reading aloud skills

Textbook(s): 

• AQA GCSE French (8652) – Oxford University Press (endorsed for 2026 specification) 

• Supplementary resources provided to each student – vocabulary book, topic question sheet, topic question booklet 

Useful Websites: 

• BBC Bitesize GCSE French 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zp838p3 

• Languages Online 

https://www.languagesonline.org.uk/Hotpotatoes/frenchindex.html#google_vignette 

• Quizlet  

https://quizlet.com/gb/1114580324/aqa-french-gcse-2026-spec-vocabulary-education-and-work-flash-cards/ 

Exam Board and specification link: 

AQA (Specification Code: 8652) 

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/gcse/french-8652 

Enrichment 

Clubs, trips