The Student Room Group

French or History A-Level?

I've started yr12 recently, and I'm currently doing English Literature (AQA), Politics (AQA) and History (AQA) as my subjects. However, I found my first lesson of History a drag, and I'm not sure how I can cope the jump from GCSE (I got an 8 for reference). I do think I'll really like the Cold War side of the course but the Tudor side doesn't seem the most interesting. French was my favourite subject at GCSE alongside English, though I've heard the jump from GCSE is huge (though I did get a 9). I've also heard the grade boundaries are ridiculous and its nearly impossible to get a high grade due to natives taking it. Furthermore, half the current class are fluent speakers, and I feel as though I'd be really behind them. Either subject suits what I want to do in the future, so I'm really struggling to come to a decision.
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by nai._
I've started yr12 recently, and I'm currently doing English Literature (AQA), Politics (AQA) and History (AQA) as my subjects. However, I found my first lesson of History a drag, and I'm not sure how I can cope the jump from GCSE (I got an 8 for reference). I do think I'll really like the Cold War side of the course but the Tudor side doesn't seem the most interesting. French was my favourite subject at GCSE alongside English, though I've heard the jump from GCSE is huge (though I did get a 9). I've also heard the grade boundaries are ridiculous and its nearly impossible to get a high grade due to natives taking it. Furthermore, half the current class are fluent speakers, and I feel as though I'd be really behind them. Either subject suits what I want to do in the future, so I'm really struggling to come to a decision.

I did both history and french at a-level (non-native) (I also now do both at uni), and yes the jump for french is high but as long as you keep up with your work and practice grammar/speaking etc. outside of school it is definitely manageable! It might also be a nice change from your other 2 a-levels that are quite heavily essay-based

for reference I got an A in French (2 marks off an A*) - the grade boundaries are quite high but i think if you kind of study the mark schemes you'll get to know what the examiners are looking for

I did really enjoy history, but I was really interested in both of the topics I did (also did cold war) so I think that helped. It was definitely my most stressful a-level but I ended up studying it at uni so it can't have been that bad lol

also it depends on what exam board you do (i did eduqas), but there was a whole history topic for french so you'll still be able to study some history


in summary don't let the jump from gcse to a level put you off either subject, both are manageable
if you have any questions feel free to ask
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by nai._
I've started yr12 recently, and I'm currently doing English Literature (AQA), Politics (AQA) and History (AQA) as my subjects. However, I found my first lesson of History a drag, and I'm not sure how I can cope the jump from GCSE (I got an 8 for reference). I do think I'll really like the Cold War side of the course but the Tudor side doesn't seem the most interesting. French was my favourite subject at GCSE alongside English, though I've heard the jump from GCSE is huge (though I did get a 9). I've also heard the grade boundaries are ridiculous and its nearly impossible to get a high grade due to natives taking it. Furthermore, half the current class are fluent speakers, and I feel as though I'd be really behind them. Either subject suits what I want to do in the future, so I'm really struggling to come to a decision.

I agree with you, A-level French is significantly more challenging, and having fluent speakers in the class will raise the expectations. You performed well at GCSE which makes me think you have the right foundations and you can put up the work for it.

I'd advise taking the subject where you'll have the best grades. And this depends on lot on your own strengths but also on the exam boards! I've heard from my friends doing French for example that OCR is more thorough in language mechanics while AQA values more the literature, films and other topics related to french culture. The exams are very different and the way to mark is too.

One thing you could try is to practice a quick essay in french on Tilf website and see the mark you have. Then do the same for history and see the mark. And that will give you an indication how far you are, how hard it might be so you can pick the subject you already are performing best at?
Reply 3
Original post by average_human
I did both history and french at a-level (non-native) (I also now do both at uni), and yes the jump for french is high but as long as you keep up with your work and practice grammar/speaking etc. outside of school it is definitely manageable! It might also be a nice change from your other 2 a-levels that are quite heavily essay-based

for reference I got an A in French (2 marks off an A*) - the grade boundaries are quite high but i think if you kind of study the mark schemes you'll get to know what the examiners are looking for

I did really enjoy history, but I was really interested in both of the topics I did (also did cold war) so I think that helped. It was definitely my most stressful a-level but I ended up studying it at uni so it can't have been that bad lol
also it depends on what exam board you do (i did eduqas), but there was a whole history topic for french so you'll still be able to study some history
in summary don't let the jump from gcse to a level put you off either subject, both are manageable
if you have any questions feel free to ask


Thank you so much! I’m definitely leaning towards switching to French but I was wondering how it is you practiced speaking? It was my weakest skill at GCSE and for AQA it’s worth 30% of the A-Level 😭
Reply 4
Original post by dojev61020
I agree with you, A-level French is significantly more challenging, and having fluent speakers in the class will raise the expectations. You performed well at GCSE which makes me think you have the right foundations and you can put up the work for it.
I'd advise taking the subject where you'll have the best grades. And this depends on lot on your own strengths but also on the exam boards! I've heard from my friends doing French for example that OCR is more thorough in language mechanics while AQA values more the literature, films and other topics related to french culture. The exams are very different and the way to mark is too.
One thing you could try is to practice a quick essay in french on Tilf website and see the mark you have. Then do the same for history and see the mark. And that will give you an indication how far you are, how hard it might be so you can pick the subject you already are performing best at?


Thank you! 😊
Original post by nai._
I've started yr12 recently, and I'm currently doing English Literature (AQA), Politics (AQA) and History (AQA) as my subjects. However, I found my first lesson of History a drag, and I'm not sure how I can cope the jump from GCSE (I got an 8 for reference). I do think I'll really like the Cold War side of the course but the Tudor side doesn't seem the most interesting. French was my favourite subject at GCSE alongside English, though I've heard the jump from GCSE is huge (though I did get a 9). I've also heard the grade boundaries are ridiculous and its nearly impossible to get a high grade due to natives taking it. Furthermore, half the current class are fluent speakers, and I feel as though I'd be really behind them. Either subject suits what I want to do in the future, so I'm really struggling to come to a decision.


I did History at A Level although there’s certainly a jump i think you’ll be fine i got a 6 and an A at A level. and for Tudors i also didn’t really enjoy it initially but it picks up especially in A2
Reply 6
The jump from French GCSE to A Level is massive but it gets way more interesting, especially studying the movie. you also get used to it quickly and you will be fine if you learn your vocab

Quick Reply