AQA is the only awarding body which offers a modular GCSE course.  This is available in French, German and Spanish. For information about the topics covered in the Modular GCSE and for a full specification, visit the AQA GCSE page.

The course is divided into four modules, which are normally completed during Years 10 and 11. The course combines both continuous and terminal assessments. The final exam in the summer of the second year of the course, normally Year 11, represents only 50% of the GCSE grade achieved, the other 50% having been completed prior to this throughout Years 10 and 11.

Modules 1 and 3 are non-tiered, meaning that students can achieve an A*-G grade, and are marked internally so that students are able to receive instant feedback on their progress.

Modules 2 and 4 are exams which are marked externally. Students are entered for either Foundation or Higher Tier. Foundation pupils can achieve a C-G grade; Higher candidates can achieve A*-D.

Module 1: September - January, Year 1 of the course (usually Year 10)
Students must record a speaking task in school, which is assessed internally by the class teacher. Students will be expected to speak about the topics from Module 1. The module is non-tiered and worth 12.5% of the final GCSE grade.

Module 2: February - June, Year 2 of the course (usually Year 10)
This module tests the skills of Listening and Reading only and the assessment is in the form of an external exam in June. Students are tested on language from Modules 1 and 2. It is worth a further 25% of the final GCSE grade. Students are entered for Foundation or Higher in each of the skills.

Module 3: September - December, Year 11
This module is assessed internally and moderated externally. The students complete two pieces of written coursework. This module is non-tiered and worth a further 12.5% of the final GCSE grade.

Module 4: January - June, Year 11
These exams are worth 50% of the final GCSE grade and are completely externally assessed. Students are tested on all the topics covered from Module 1-4. The exams cover all four skills. Students are entered for Foundation or Higher Tier in each of the four skills.