AQA GCSE French (8652) Comprehensive Guide
Welcome to the ultimate resource hub for the AQA GCSE French specification (8652). Whether you are a teacher planning your scheme of work or a student revising for mocks, this guide covers everything you need.
Specification Overview
The course is divided into three distinct themes, each covering specific topics:
Theme 1: Identity and culture
- Topic 1: Me, my family and friends (Relationships, Marriage/Partnership)
- Topic 2: Technology in everyday life (Social media, Mobile technology)
- Topic 3: Free-time activities (Music, Cinema, Food, Sport)
- Topic 4: Customs and festivals in French-speaking countries
Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest
- Topic 1: Home, town, neighbourhood and region
- Topic 2: Social issues (Charity, Voluntary work, Healthy living)
- Topic 3: Global issues (Environment, Poverty, Homelessness)
- Topic 4: Travel and tourism
Theme 3: Current and future study and employment
- Topic 1: My studies
- Topic 2: Life at school/college
- Topic 3: Education post-16
- Topic 4: Jobs, career choices and ambitions
Exam Structure
The GCSE consists of four papers, each worth 25% of the final grade.
- Paper 1: Listening (35 mins Foundation / 45 mins Higher)
- Section A: Questions in English, to be answered in English or non-verbally.
- Section B: Questions in French, to be answered in French or non-verbally.
- Paper 2: Speaking (7-9 mins Foundation / 10-12 mins Higher)
- Role-play card (15 marks)
- Photo card (15 marks)
- General conversation (30 marks)
- Paper 3: Reading (45 mins Foundation / 1 hour Higher)
- Section A: Questions in English.
- Section B: Questions in French.
- Section C: Translation from French into English.
- Paper 4: Writing (1 hour Foundation / 1 hour 15 mins Higher)
- Foundation: List task, Short message, Translation into French, Structured writing task.
- Higher: Structured writing task, Open-ended writing task, Translation into French.
Revision Tips for Success
- Vocabulary is King: Use our vocabulary booklets to master the core lexicon.
- Tenses Timeline: Ensure you can confidently use the Past, Present, and Future tenses.
- Complex Structures: For higher grades, practice "if" clauses (si clauses), the subjunctive (recognition), and direct object pronouns.