Embedded Files
DURATION
DURATION
1 Year / 160 Hours
COURSEWORK
COURSEWORK
N4: Unit Assessments
N5:
25% of grade: Talking Assessment
12.5% of grade: Writing Assignment
EXAM
EXAM
N4: No Exam
N5:
Paper 1: Reading and Writing - 37.5%
Paper 2: Listening - 25%
COST
COST
No Cost
Why do this course?
Why do this course?
Taking National 5 French gives you skills that reach far beyond the classroom. Even if you live far from big cities or international borders, learning a language helps you communicate more confidently, understand how language works, and strengthen your English at the same time. It’s a practical skill that supports you in every subject.
French also opens your world wider. It helps you connect with people and cultures you might not meet every day but will almost certainly encounter through travel, work, or online. You’ll gain a clearer sense of how others live and think—something that’s increasingly important no matter where you come from.
Language learning is also a brilliant way to build independence and adaptability. Whether you stay local, move elsewhere in the UK, or explore further afield, being able to understand and communicate in another language makes new experiences far less intimidating and far more exciting.
And don’t forget—speaking French can make holidays, exchanges, and adventures abroad feel easier, friendlier, and much more rewarding.
Choosing National 5 French means choosing a skill that strengthens your learning, boosts your confidence, and gives you opportunities that reach well beyond school.
It’s a small decision that can open up a much bigger world!
What are the long term benefits?
What are the long term benefits?
Why Languages.mp4What will you experience?
What will you experience?
Pupils will be encouraged to work individually, in pairs and in groups at various points to practice all aspects of the language in different contexts.
Teachers frequently use games and interactive resources to encourage competitive spirit and to provide enjoyable experiences that help learners develop confidence using key vocabulary and structures.
Digital Technology is also used regularly throughout the course, both to access foreign language websites and to help pupils present their work.
Most lessons are delivered through Microsoft Teams and ClassNotebook meaning that pupils have access to their learning wherever they are. This allows pupils to revisit work they have done in class at home to support revision and consolidation of their learning.
With teacher guidance, pupils will be involved in setting targets and evaluating their progress. They will learn how to analyse their own work and that of others, correct errors and improve their confidence in the language.
Pupils will begin to develop skills to discuss themes of Society, Culture, Employability and Learning at a more detailed level, learning strategies to hold lengthier conversations in the foreign language whilst building confidence in their linguistic ability.
What will you learn?
What will you learn?
The headings below provide an overview of the course content in Modern Languages at National 4 and 5. Throughout these courses, the grammatical structure of language is taught extensively and practiced throughout.
Society
Family & Friends
Lifestyles
Media
Global languages
Citizenship
Learning
Developing and applying learning skills
Comparing education systems in Scotland and abroad
Environmental education
Employability
Jobs
Work and CVs
Future Plans
Languages in the workplace
Culture
Planning a trip
Other countries
Celebrating a special event
Literature of another country
Film & TV
Key Facts
Key Facts
Everything you need to know before selecting this course
Assessment
Assessment
National 4 will involve completion of an Added Value Project and all course work and assessments in Talking, Reading, Writing and Listening undertaken by N5 pupils. There is no final exam.
National 5 will involve pupils completing a Talking exam and a Writing Assignment on topics of their choice, from those outlined above, both of these are done in class under exam conditions. Pupils then sit a final exam in the SQA Exam diet in May consisting of Reading, Listening & Writing.
Equipment
Equipment
We strongly recommend that pupils purchase a bi-lingual dictionary in the language they are learning as these are required for the exam and practising using a physical dictionary at home and in class will be essential.
It would also be beneficial for pupils to find an old set of plug-in earphones (3mm jack) for use when doing individual listening tasks in class.
Advice on this can be given by the class teacher.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Entry is at the discretion of the Principal Teacher Faculty, Modern Languages. However, as a guide:
A recommendation on completion of BGE S3 French Course.
A pass a the previous NQ level. i.e. for National 5, a pass at National 4.
All S5/6 pupils will be considered for entry. Previous SQA results in other subjects and BGE Tracking information will be used to determine whether entry at National 5 level is appropriate.
Homework
Homework
Homework will be set by the class teacher on a regular basis, this will be available on TEAMs.
At key points in the year National 5 pupils will have clear expectations to be practising and working at home, for example, in preparation for their Writing Assignment & Talking Exam. Time will also be offered at lunchtimes for pupils to attend practice sessions with teachers.
Progression and Employment
Progression and Employment
Everything you need to know about future pathways from this course.
Progression
Progression
S5 – Higher French or N5 in another language; L6 Modern Languages for Life & Work CORE option.
S6 – this is a great time to pick up an additional modern language, or return to pursue a language you have previously studied.
Employment
Employment
In the global economy, one of the most valuable traits an employee can possess is the ability to speak a second or multiple languages. Knowing an additional language illustrates to an employer the value you bring as an employee and a person. It shows that you are adaptable, open-minded and communicative.
These videos explain how languages can be useful in a wide variety of job sectors:
Languages in creative industries.
Languages in health and wellbeing.
Languages in manufacture and engineering.
Learner Experiences
Learner Experiences
I chose French because I wanted to improve my language skills. it is interesting and there are lots of different aspects to is such as reading, writing and listening.
I like French because it is interesting and allows you to communicate with people from other countries.
During my National 5, I expected it to be like the BGE course, which I wasn’t keen on! However, I found that I was actually learning something I could use, I found that I could formulate sentences with minimal thinking and I think that is a wonderful skill to say you have.
S6 Pupil
Studied N5 in S5 (2024-25)
Currently studying Higher
Languages allow me to make new connections with different people, I am really enjoying the freedom of the National 5 French course, as your bullet points and speaking responses are your decision!
Amy, S4
Currently studying N5 in S4
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