GCSE French and GCSE Spanish are two-year courses, assessed externally at the end of Year 11. Both courses cover six thematic contexts: my personal world, lifestyle and wellbeing, my neighbourhood, media and technology, studying and my future, and travel and tourism.

Studying a language at GCSE offers numerous benefits:

• French enhances cultural awareness by exposing students to the rich history and traditions of French-speaking countries, and Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, opening doors to diverse cultures and countless opportunities.
• Proficiency in French or Spanish can open diverse career opportunities in the global job market, as many international companies value multilingual employees.
• Studying a foreign language improves cognitive skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and memory, which can boost overall academic performance.
• Learning a new language fosters personal growth, building confidence, resilience, and a sense of achievement.

Choosing French or Spanish at GCSE is not just about learning a language; it's about gaining valuable life skills that enrich personal and professional growth.

1. Speaking (Paper 1 – 25% of the qualification)

• Task 1: Read aloud and short interaction.
• Task 2: Role play.
• Task 3: Picture task with conversation.

2. Listening and Understanding (Paper 2 – 25% of the qualification)

• Section A: Listening (40 marks).
• Section B: Dictation (10 marks).

3. Reading and Understanding (Paper 3 – 25% of the qualification)

• Section A: Reading and Understanding
• Section B: Translation into English

4. Writing (Paper 4 – 25% of the qualification)

• Foundation Tier: Picture-based task, two open-response questions, and translation into French/Spanish.
• Higher Tier: Two open-response questions and translation into French/Spanish.