Exam Board: Edexcel
Questions across all four language skills are set in common contexts, addressing a range of relevant contemporary and cultural themes. They are organised into five themes, each broken down into topics and sub-topics.
The five themes are:
There are many reasons for studying languages at GCSE. You will be able to share your interests, ideas and opinions with other people who speak French, Spanish or German. You will learn about the countries where the language is spoken and get a lot more out of a trip there.
You will add an international dimension to your choice of GCSE subjects and learn many skills which are useful in a wide range of future careers.
You will create greater opportunities for yourself to work abroad. Those who can offer a language in addition to other skills are likely to be paid 10–20% more and are highly sought after in the job market both in the UK and abroad.
At university, you can combine a language with practically any other subject. There are over 450 available combinations.
The ability to speak two foreign languages is a qualification which few people can offer, and is a skill which puts you ahead of the competition.
As the numbers of pupils in school who are studying a language continue to decrease, so are the numbers of students applying to study for a degree in languages at university. If you decide to apply to study languages, you are in with a very good chance of securing a place. In 2015, 42% of students applying to the University of Cambridge to study languages were successful in securing a place.
100% examination—25% reading, 25% speaking, 25% listening and 25% writing.
Possible career paths include: interpreter, translator, linguist, teacher of English as a foreign language, export sales, foreign office, human resources officer, investment analyst, diplomat service officer, foreign correspondent, tour guide, intelligence officer and more.
You will develop a range of transferable skills including communication, self-motivation, cultural awareness, independence, creativity, adaptability, team work, organisation and resilience.
Find out where studies in French can take you on Unifrog: