Course Information

Literacy
Numeracy
Communications
Creativity
Practical
Group Work
Examination Assessment	100%
Non-Examination Assessment	0%
EBacc	Yes
Examination Board	Pearson Edexcel
Course	GCSE

General Information about this qualification

Studying a modern foreign language at GCSE gives pupils the opportunity to build on the strong foundations developed in Key Stage 3, while developing key skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Learning a language not only allows pupils to communicate confidently in real-life situations, but also enhances understanding of their own language, supports learning across other subjects, and develops valuable transferable skills such as communication, critical thinking, and logical reasoning. Pupils also gain cultural awareness, experience international perspectives, and enjoy the challenge and fun of exploring new languages and cultures.

What will I need to succeed?

To succeed in French or Spanish, pupils should have:

• A curiosity about languages and other cultures.
• Confidence in expressing themselves, both verbally and in writing.
• A willingness to practise regularly and develop a growth mindset.
• Strong communication and listening skills, as well as attention to detail for grammar.
• An interest in applying language skills to real-life situations, such as travel, hobbies, and media.
• Success comes from consistent effort, active participation in class, and using the tools and resources provided (knowledge organiser, revision workbook and lesson booklets)

 What subject content should I be aware of?

Course Structure:

The GCSE in French and Spanish builds on Key Stage 3 foundations and develops skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course is structured around six thematic areas:

1. My Personal World – relationships, hobbies, charity, and special occasions.
2. Lifestyle and Wellbeing – health, sport, food and drink, and wellbeing.
3. My Neighbourhood – home, region, environment, and world issues.
4. Media and Technology – music, TV and film, technology, and social media.
5. Studying and My Future – studies, school, jobs, and ambitions.
6. Travel and Tourism – holidays, tourism, accommodation, and festivals.

Grammar and vocabulary are taught in context across all themes to ensure students can apply their knowledge in real-life situations. Lessons are interactive and use sentence builders and parallel texts to embed learning, alongside cultural exploration through festivals, music, and literature.

Assessment:

Pearson Edexcel GCSE Modern Languages is 100% exam-based, covering all four skills:

• Listening – understanding spoken language in a range of contexts.
• Speaking – read aloud tasks, role-plays, picture-based discussions, and general conversation.
• Reading – comprehension of authentic and adapted texts.
• Writing – translation and extended writing tasks.

Each of the four skills contributes equally to the overall GCSE grade. The exams are designed to reflect real-life communication and practical use of the language, while also assessing knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. Pupils are entered for either the foundation or higher tier.

• Foundation Tier – designed for students targeting grades 1–5.

• Higher Tier – designed for students targeting grades 4–9.

Exam Question

The highest-mark question on the writing paper asks pupils to write a blog in French or Spanish, choosing one of two options based on one of the topics within the six thematic contexts. Here is an example:

Write a blog about how you normally spend your time. You must include the following points:

• the people you like spending time with
• the pros and cons of having a big group of friends
• the last time you went out with family or friends
• what you will do at home next week.

Write your answer in French/Spanish. You should aim to write between 130 and 150 words.

This question is worth 22 marks out of 50, representing 44% of the writing paper. Pupils should aim to spend around 30 minutes on it within the 80-minute exam. Students are expected to express pros and cons, explain and narrate events, and use a combination of present, past, and future tenses. They should include complex structures, maintain accuracy in grammar and spelling, and write within the recommended word count of 130–150 words. This question assesses formal writing, organisation, and fluency in the target language.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: I am currently studying French. Can I choose Spanish as a GCSE option instead of French?
A: No, you cannot switch to the opposite language at GCSE if you are already studying one. However, you can choose to study both French and Spanish if you wish to take two languages.

Q: Is the speaking exam conducted in front of the whole class?
A: No, the speaking exam is conducted one-to-one between the pupil and their class teacher, who will know the pupil well by the end of the course. The exam is voice-recorded for assessment. Pupils have 15 minutes of preparation time before the exam to get ready for the three tasks: the read-aloud task, role play, and picture description.

Q: How do I know which tier to take?
A: Pupils are guided on which tier to take by their class teacher, in consultation with their parents/carers. All classes are mixed ability, and there is the opportunity to switch tiers until the spring term of Year 11, ensuring pupils are entered for the tier that best suits their progress and confidence.

What career opportunities are there after I take this qualification?

Careers that studying a language can lead to:

• Business and Finance – international business, marketing, banking, and trade.
• Tourism and Hospitality – travel agencies, hotels, airlines, and tour operators.
• Diplomacy and Government – embassy work, international relations, policy, and consular services.
• Journalism and Media – reporting, broadcasting, translation, and content creation.
• Education – teaching languages in schools or private tuition.
• Translation and Interpretation – written translation, simultaneous or consecutive interpreting.
• Law and International Law – working in multinational law firms or human rights organisations.
• NGOs and Charities – international development, aid, and humanitarian work.
• Science and Research – working on international projects or collaborations.
• Technology and IT – global tech companies needing multilingual staff for communication or localisation.
• Creative Industries – film, music, literature, and arts with international audiences.

Beyond specific roles, the skills gained from learning a language—such as clear communication, cultural awareness, problem-solving, critical thinking, and adaptability—are valuable in any career, helping pupils succeed in the workplace and in further study.