Should my daughter take French GCSE?

Q. My son made his GCSE option choices last year. His school told me that he should do GCSE French, as not having a GCSE in a modern language would make it harder for him to get into a good university. My daughter is now making her choices but her school disagrees. Are they wrong?

A. The provision of GCSE and A level courses in modern languages has been widely discussed in the media recently. The number of pupils studying a modern language at GCSE has declined rapidly in the maintained sector since the last Government abolished the requirement for all pupils to study a modern language up to the age of 16, although almost all pupils at independent schools continue to take GCSEs in modern languages.

Since not all pupils have the opportunity to study a modern language at GCSE few universities now make it an entrance requirement. However, as we all know well, competition for university places is now very strong and having a GCSE in a modern language can be a very positive addition to a candidate’s application form, especially if they are intending to study business, law, or a humanities-based degree.

Much is also broadcast and written about the inability of the British to communicate with people from other countries in their own language. Having a good knowledge of another language is a real asset in the jobs market. On the other hand, if your daughter does not enjoy studying languages and is not succeeding in this area, it may not be the best possible GCSE option for her. It would also be sensible to check exactly what provision of modern languages the school is making and the numbers taking them at GCSE and their results.