My child has never studied French - is that a problem?

Not at all. The course assumes no previous French and builds from first principles, reaching International GCSE standard across the two years.

How does the speaking exam work online?

Speaking is a compulsory paper of 8 to 10 minutes, sat in April or May. We prepare students thoroughly through paired and whole-class speaking in every lesson, plus timed practice runs.

How much French is spoken in lessons?

As much as possible, from day one. Small classes mean each student speaks many times per lesson rather than once a fortnight.

Are all four skills taught equally?

Yes - listening, reading, writing and speaking each carry a quarter of the marks and the weekly teaching cycle covers all four.

Can parents see how it's going?

Always - assessment results, teacher feedback and attendance are visible through the learning platform, with reports through the year.

What can French lead to?

A language at sixth form, degrees with a year abroad and careers across international business, translation, diplomacy and tourism.

Key Stage 4

🇫🇷 French

For school aged learners, ages 14-16

Overview

Languages are learned by speaking, which is why French at Oxford Online School is taught live, never from recordings alone. Classes stay small - 15 students on average - so every learner speaks French aloud in every lesson, building fluency whilst building confidence. The two-year timetable is structured week by week, with regular assessment and mock exams in all four skills.

What Students Study

Why study French?

French is spoken across Europe, Africa and North America and remains a working language of diplomacy, international organisations and global business. Studying it trains memory, listening and communication in ways that strengthen a whole curriculum, while universities consistently value a language at this level. It also gives students a living connection to French culture - from film to food - and prepares the ground for advanced language study.

Course content

Teaching follows the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) French specification, which organises vocabulary and grammar through five themes:

Home and abroad - town and rural life, holidays, travel and francophone customs
Education and employment - school life, future plans and the world of work
Personal life and relationships - home, family, friends and daily routines
The world around us - environment, media, technology and transport
Social activities, fitness and health - hobbies, sport, food, shopping and wellbeing

Course Details

Examinations and assessments

Each of the four language skills - listening, reading, writing and speaking - carries 25% of the marks, assessed by Pearson Edexcel across three exams with no coursework. Speaking exams take place in April or May, ahead of the written papers in May or June.

We register every student for their exams and arrange the sitting that suits them - formal remote invigilation where the board permits it, or an approved exam centre close to home.

Paper 1 - Listening: 30 minutes plus 5 minutes' reading time, worth 25% of the qualification
Paper 2 - Reading and Writing: 1 hour 45 minutes, worth 50% (25% per skill)
Paper 3 - Speaking: 8 to 10 minutes, worth 25%

Qualification

The result is the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) in French, a recognised language qualification that supports sixth form study and strengthens university applications everywhere.

Entry requirements

No formal entry requirements apply and complete beginners are welcome, as no prior knowledge of French is needed. Lessons are taught in English alongside French, so students do need to be comfortable studying in English.

Meet the teacher

“I'm committed to making learning accessible and meaningful for every student, creating a safe, supportive space where learners feel confident to take risks, make mistakes and grow.”

I. Pillay, French teacher

Study full time or part time

French can be one of the six subjects in the full International GCSE programme or a standalone course - a strong option for students whose current school offers no languages.

Check what either route would cost using the fees calculator.