VCE French
More study resources
Cheat sheet
Keep the key ideas within reach.
ExploreKey terms
Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
ExploreStudy plan
Give each week a clear focus.
ExploreCommon mistakes
Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
ExploreCase studies
Put your knowledge to work in context.
ExploreExam-day guide
Prepare for the day ahead.
ExploreAbout this exam
VCE French is a Victorian Certificate of Education study in the Languages learning area, administered by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA). The study design covers Units 1 and 2, accredited from 2019, and Units 3 and 4, accredited from 2020; the published study design document was updated in January 2020. It suits secondary students in Victoria who want formal recognition of their French language learning within the VCE, and it is not a test you register for independently - you study it through a school that delivers the VCE.
The study design sets out areas of study, outcomes and assessment for Units 1–2 and Units 3–4, supported by advice for teachers, learning activities, assessment advice and performance descriptions. Assessment combines school-based assessment with external assessment; VCAA publishes French examination specifications, past examinations and reports, which are the best guide to the external examination's structure. VCAA also publishes a glossary of command terms and FAQs for the study.
Two details matter for planning. First, both the old and the new French spelling approved by the French Academy are accepted in VCE French examinations from 2010 onwards, so do not waste effort memorising only one convention. Second, enrolment at Units 3 and 4 requires a declaration of First Language Learner or Second Language Learner status, submitted on the Declaration for enrolment in VCE Modern Languages Units 3 and 4 form to your home school. Prepare by working through the study design outcomes, your school's assessment tasks, and past examinations and reports, and by practising the command terms in French.
What you'll study
About VCE French preparation
What is VCE French and who is it for?
It is a VCE study in the Languages area, administered by VCAA, with Units 1 and 2 accredited from 2019 and Units 3 and 4 from 2020. It is for Victorian senior secondary students who want formal VCE recognition of their French, studied through a school that delivers the VCE.
What does the study cover?
The study design sets out areas of study, outcomes and assessment for French Units 1–2 and Units 3–4, with advice for teachers, learning activities, assessment advice and performance descriptions. VCAA also publishes a glossary of command terms used across VCE study designs and examinations.
How is assessment structured?
VCAA lists school-based assessment for VCE French alongside examination specifications, past examinations and reports. The study design document is the authoritative statement of outcomes and assessment for Units 1–2 and Units 3–4; check the current examination specifications for the external examination's requirements.
Is the old French spelling penalised?
No. VCAA states that changes to French spelling approved by the French Academy are officially in force in major French institutions, and both old and new spelling will be accepted from students in VCE French examinations from 2010 onwards. Choose one convention and apply it consistently.
Do I have to declare my language background?
Yes, at Units 3 and 4. Enrolment requires students to declare their status as either a First Language Learner or a Second Language Learner, complete the Declaration for enrolment in VCE Modern Languages Units 3 and 4 form, and submit it to their home school.
How do I enrol?
Enrolment is through your home school, not directly with VCAA. For Units 3 and 4, your school handles the First Language Learner or Second Language Learner declaration; VCAA directs students to its Enrolment in VCE Modern Languages webpage for details.
How should I prepare?
Start from the study design outcomes, then use your school's assessment tasks and the published past examinations and reports to see how questions are framed. Learn the command terms so you answer the question actually asked, and practise both comprehension and production in French.
What are common mistakes?
Misreading command terms, ignoring the study design outcomes, and preparing only one spelling convention are avoidable errors. Another is leaving the Units 3 and 4 language-status declaration until late; it must be completed and submitted to your home school as part of enrolment.
Are there retakes or a pass mark?
VCAA's French pages as published do not state a retake policy, a passing score or a validity period for this study, so none can be confirmed here. Check current VCAA and school advice for administrative rules.