Edexcel A Level French specification (9FR0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel A Level French exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
Examiner-written revision resources that improve your grades 2x
- Written by expert teachers and examiners
- Aligned to exam specifications
- Everything you need to know, and nothing you don’t
In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Edexcel A Level French specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Edexcel A Level French (9FR0) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
This A Level French qualification from Pearson Edexcel aims to develop advanced knowledge of the French language, culture, and society, equipping learners with critical thinking, independence, and creativity. Students explore contemporary and historical topics from France and Francophone regions while engaging with authentic materials, literature, and film. The course promotes cultural insight, analytical writing, translation skills, and spontaneous communication. Through structured themes and a flexible independent research component, the qualification prepares students for higher education and enhances employability in a global context:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
Theme 1: Les changements dans la société française
- Family structure and attitudes to marriage, couples, and family life
- Education system and student issues
- Working life, right to strike, gender equality
Theme 2: La culture politique et artistique dans les pays francophones
- Music: changes, development, cultural impact
- Media: freedom of expression, print/online press, social/political influence
- Festivals and traditions: customs, celebrations across the Francophone world
Theme 3: L’immigration et la société multiculturelle française
- Immigration’s positive impact on French society
- Community activities, marginalisation, alienation
- The far-right: rise of the Front National, public opinion
Theme 4: L’Occupation et la Résistance
- Occupied France: collaboration, antisemitism
- Vichy regime: Pétain and national revolution
- Resistance figures: Jean Moulin, Charles de Gaulle, role of women and French citizens
Prescribed works (Paper 2)
- Literary texts include: L’Étranger, No et Moi, Les Mains Sales, Un Sac de Billes
- Films include: La Haine, Intouchables, Entre les murs, Les Choristes
- Students study two works: either two texts, or one text and one film:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Listening, Reading and Translation (9FR0/01)
- 2 hours; 80 marks; 40% of A Level
- Section A: Listening (in French); Section B: Reading; Section C: Translation from French into English
- Draws from all four themes
- No dictionary allowed
Paper 2: Written Response to Works and Translation (9FR0/02)
- 2 hours 40 minutes; 120 marks; 30% of A Level
- Section A: Translation into French
- Sections B/C: Two essays on either two literary texts or one literary text and one film
- No access to texts or dictionaries
Paper 3: Speaking (9FR0/03)
- 21–23 minutes (with 5 mins prep); 72 marks; 30% of A Level
- Task 1: Discussion on one sub-theme based on stimulus
- Task 2: Presentation and discussion on an independent research project (IRP)
- Conducted by teacher-examiner or visiting examiner:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel A Level French isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
Share this article