This course comprises approximately 360 guided learning hours, with 12 months’ access on Community Support or up to 24 months on a fully taught programme, so you can study around your life commitments.
Achieve a Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in French. A recognised Level 2 language qualification that develops communication skills and supports progression to further study or career opportunities.
No formal qualifications are needed to begin; this course welcomes adult learners at a range of starting levels and supports language development from foundation through to confident use.
Assessment is delivered through externally set written and spoken examinations by Pearson Edexcel that evaluate listening, reading, writing and speaking skills in French.
International GCSE French provides structured study of the French language through themes that are relevant to everyday communication and cultural understanding. Throughout the course, you will grow confidence in listening, speaking, reading and written expression while learning about the cultures and contexts of French-speaking countries. This course develops language skills useful for travel, work, study and personal enrichment.
At Lifelong Learning College, the course is delivered fully online with flexible pacing and structured support, designed for adult learners who want to balance study with work, family and life, whether you’re returning to education, strengthening language skills or preparing for further study.
You will explore French language and culture through engaging topics, including:
These topics help you use French confidently in everyday contexts, structured around meaningful communication and cultural awareness.
This qualification is made up of three separately examined assessment components, each designed to test a specific set of language skills.
30 minutes, plus an additional 5 minutes for reading preparation
Externally set and marked examination
Comprehension of spoken French in a range of real-life situations and accents
Identifying both main ideas and specific details from dialogues and spoken passages
Recognising speakers’ opinions, emotions, and attitudes through tone and language
1 hour and 45 minutes
Externally set and marked examination
Understanding written French from sources such as advertisements, articles, emails, and notices
Selecting key facts, viewpoints, and implied meanings from written texts
Producing written responses of varying lengths, including informal messages, formal letters, and essays
Applying accurate grammar, appropriate vocabulary, and correct sentence construction
Approximately 8–10 minutes
Externally assessed speaking examination
Taking part in guided discussions on prepared topic areas
Talking about personal experiences, preferences, and viewpoints
Responding confidently to unexpected questions in French
Demonstrating clear pronunciation, fluency, and grammatical control
Each assessment component targets a different aspect of language proficiency and is evaluated independently, ensuring a balanced measure of listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills.
Assessment for International GCSE French is set by Pearson Edexcel and typically includes both written and spoken components that measure language proficiency across key skills:
Responding to spoken French in various real-life contexts.
Interpreting written texts such as dialogues, articles and informational passages.
Composing structured written responses, letters, essays and descriptions.
Demonstrating conversational and prepared spoken French in interactive tasks.
Yes, the course is designed for flexible online study that fits around work, family and life commitments, with guidance and support methods suited to adult learners.
With Community Support, you have up to 12 With Community Support, you have up to 12 months’ access. If you enrol on the fully taught programme, you have up to 24 months to complete the course.months’ access. With the fully taught programme, you have up to 24 months to complete the course.
No, this course is structured to support learners from foundational to more confident levels of language ability.
Yes, part of the assessment includes a speaking component that evaluates your ability to communicate verbally in French.
Yes, exams are usually taken online through Lifelong Learning College, since we are an approved exams centre. If preferred, you can also choose to sit exams in person at an external centre.
Support varies depending on your chosen study package. Community Support provides access to learning materials and guidance tools, while the fully taught programme includes structured tutor support and feedback.
Yes, International GCSE French supports progression to A Levels, vocational language study, apprenticeships and careers requiring communication in another language.
