Research by experts such as Stephen Krashen, a renowned linguist in language acquisition, highlights the importance of meaningful exposure to language and maintaining motivation. Here are five essential tips, along with practical tools, to guide your child preparing for AQA GCSE French. 

1. Build a Comprehensive Vocabulary Base Through Daily Practice

• Why It’s Important: Vocabulary is the building block of all language skills. A strong foundation helps students articulate ideas and understand exam materials more effectively. However, memorizing long lists can be monotonous without the right methods.

• Tip: Focus on daily practice with topic-specific vocabulary from GCSE themes such as family, school, environment, and holidays. Use engaging methods like flashcards, games, or quizzes to make this routine enjoyable.

• Free Resources:

  • Memrise: Offers GCSE French word lists with audio support to reinforce learning.

  • BBC Bitesize: Vocabulary resources tied directly to GCSE exam themes.

2. Master Core Grammar for Accuracy and Complexity

• Why It’s Important: Grammar is crucial for both written and oral accuracy, which examiners assess rigorously. It also allows students to build complex sentences, increasing their ability to score higher marks.

• Tip: Prioritize high-impact grammar points like verb conjugations (passé composé, imparfait, futur), sentence structure, and agreement rules. Use short, targeted exercises to help reinforce these concepts.

• Free Resources:

  • Languages Online: Interactive drills focused on GCSE grammar essentials.

  • Conjuguemos: Conjugation practice that helps students develop speed and accuracy.

3. Practice Listening and Speaking with Authentic French Content

• Why It’s Important: Oral fluency and listening comprehension are often the most challenging areas for students. According to language acquisition studies, regular exposure to authentic spoken language helps develop these skills more effectively than isolated exercises.

• Tip: Encourage your child to listen to real-life French and practice speaking in a conversational format. Use engaging resources like short podcasts, YouTube channels for teens, or interactive practice tools.

• Free Resources:

  • Podcast Français Facile: Simple, structured audio lessons suitable for GCSE-level learners.

  • Linguascope: A subscription service often available via schools, offering listening and speaking exercises tailored for GCSE French revision .

4. Develop Exam Techniques for Maximum Performance

• Why It’s Important: Understanding how to approach each section of the exam strategically is as vital as language skills themselves. Many students lose marks because they misunderstand instructions or mismanage their time.

• Tip: Familiarize your child with the exam format through past papers. Teach them to allocate time wisely, underline key words in questions, and organize their written answers with clarity (e.g., starting with an introduction, developing ideas, and concluding).

• Free Resources:

  • AQA Past Papers: Access exam-style questions and marking criteria for GCSE French.

  • Edexcel Past Papers: Another source for practice materials aligned with the GCSE syllabus.

If French feels like a chore, students are less likely to engage with it consistently or enjoy the process.

• Tip: Make French feel relevant and exciting. Highlight its cultural value, from travel opportunities to exploring French movies and music. Encourage interactions with native speakers, such as through language exchanges, to provide a real-world context for their learning.

• Free Resources:

  • Italki: Offers affordable language exchanges and tutoring, including for teens under parental supervision.

  • LyricsTraining: A fun platform where students learn French by interacting with song lyrics.

What to Keep in Mind

1. Learning Takes Time and Consistency

   • Language learning is not a sprint; it’s a gradual process. Encourage your child to practice in small, regular sessions rather than cramming before exams. This aligns with research on spaced repetition, which shows that consistent exposure enhances retention.

2. Progress May Be Uneven

   • It’s common for students to excel in some areas (e.g., listening) but struggle in others (e.g., writing). Tailor support to their specific needs, such as grammar drills for accuracy or role-playing scenarios for oral fluency.

3. Parental Involvement Matters

   • Even if you don’t speak French, showing interest in their progress can boost their confidence. Ask them to teach you a few phrases or share what they’ve learned. This reinforces their knowledge while building a positive attitude toward the subject.