WJEC Eduqas GCSE French specification (C800)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC Eduqas GCSE 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.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official WJEC Eduqas GCSE 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 WJEC Eduqas GCSE French (C800) 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 WJEC Eduqas specification PDF.
Specification overview
The OCR GCSE in French enables learners to develop their ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written French, building a foundation for further language study or employment. The specification promotes understanding of French in authentic contexts and encourages learners to express themselves with increasing accuracy and confidence. It supports cultural awareness and enjoyment of language learning through engaging themes based on real-life scenarios and topics of personal relevance. Students develop language skills across listening, speaking, reading and writing, embedded in meaningful communication.
Subject content breakdown
Theme 1: Identity and culture
- Relationships with family and friends
- Daily life: food/drink, social media/technology, free-time activities
- Cultural life: customs, festivals, music, TV, film
Theme 2: Local area, holiday and travel
- Describing places and attractions
- Holiday preferences and experiences
- Travel and tourism
Theme 3: School
- School types and subjects
- Life at school and pressures
- Celebrating school success
Theme 4: Future aspirations, study and work
- Using languages for work/travel
- Study options, jobs and careers
Theme 5: International and global dimension
- Events and campaigns
- Environmental issues
Grammar content
- Nouns, adjectives, articles, verbs (tense, mood, conjugation), pronouns, prepositions, conjunctions, negatives
- Includes grammar needed for both Foundation and Higher tiers, e.g. perfect, imperfect, conditional, and subjunctive (Higher)
Vocabulary
- Learners expected to understand and use words across all themes
- Foundation tier: simple everyday vocabulary
- Higher tier: extended and varied vocabulary, including idiomatic expressions
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Listening
- Foundation tier: 30 mins + 5 mins reading time; Higher tier: 40 mins + 5 mins reading time
- 25% of GCSE
- Includes listening to monologues, dialogues, announcements
- Responses in English and French
Paper 2: Speaking
- Foundation tier: 7–9 mins; Higher tier: 10–12 mins (plus preparation)
- 25% of GCSE
- Role play, photo card discussion, and conversation on two themes
Paper 3: Reading
- Foundation tier: 1 hour; Higher tier: 1 hour 15 mins
- 25% of GCSE
- Comprehension and translation from French to English
Paper 4: Writing
- Foundation tier: 1 hour 15 mins; Higher tier: 1 hour 30 mins
25% of GCSE
Foundation Tier
- Structured writing tasks of increasing length
- Translation of short sentences into French
Higher Tier
- Longer open-ended writing tasks
- Paragraph translation into French
Tiers
- Foundation Tier: Grades 1–5
- Higher Tier: Grades 4–9
- Students must take all four papers at the same tier
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Listening – 25%
- AO2: Speaking – 25%
- AO3: Reading – 25%
- AO4: Writing – 25%
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC Eduqas GCSE 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.
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