Is VCE French Hard?

If you’re starting to think about your VCE electives, French might be on your radar. But the question remains: is French VCE really for you?

Learning any language is challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. French is no exception. In this post, I’ll break down what makes French VCE difficult, what makes it easier for English speakers, and what you can realistically expect.

The Scope of VCE French

French VCE isn’t just about memorizing vocab lists, it’s a well-rounded subject designed to develop language proficiency and cultural understanding. I like to divide it into three main areas:

1. The language itself – vocabulary and grammar

2. Core skills – reading, listening, speaking, writing (and viewing)

3. Cultural awareness – understanding the connection between language and culture and being able to compare French-speaking cultures with your own.

According to the VCE French study design, you’ll also be expected to discuss a wide range of topics. These fall under three broad themes:

• The individual (sub-topics include personal identity and lifestyles, relationships, aspirations, education and careers).

• The world around us (sub-topics include global and contemporary society, communication and media, technology and science).

• The Francophone world (sub-topics include the francophone world, historical perspectives, French cultural perspectives).

Some popular VCE topics include personal health and well-being, environmental issues, and future technologies; so expect to form opinions and express yourself clearly in French on those subjects.

Vocabulary & Grammar

This is where every language learner starts.

• Vocabulary: You’ll need to memorize a large number of words. French nouns are gendered (masculine or feminine), which adds an extra layer of complexity. But the good news is that French and English share a lot of words thanks to history (think restaurant, information, minute).

• Grammar: French grammar gets a bad reputation as it includes some tricky verb conjugations, pronouns and tenses. While the basics can be kept simple, aiming for high marks means using more advanced grammatical structures; and yes, they can be tough.

Think of this stage as learning the building blocks. It feels dense at first, but repetition and practice make it manageable.

Skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing (and Viewing)

Ultimately, VCE French is about applying your knowledge, not just memorizing rules.

• Reading: You’ll read texts and answer questions or respond in writing. Strong vocabulary and grammar knowledge really shine here.

• Writing: You’ll be asked to produce different types of texts: personal, persuasive, informative, evaluative, even imaginative. It can be in the form of an article, a friendly email, a formal speech or a diary entry to name few examples. Each requires slightly different vocabulary, tone, and structure.

• Listening: French can be tricky because the way it’s written doesn’t always match the way it’s pronounced. Native speakers may sound like they’re speaking at lightning speed, but regular exposure trains your ear. And when my students complain about the complexity of French pronunciation... I always show them the following sketch from

  comedian Michael McIntyre titled “How the English language would sound if silent letters weren’t silent”…! This will humble you and make you realize how hard it is to learn English too.

• Speaking: Speaking French is like learning a new sport: your mouth and tongue are moving in unfamiliar ways. Sounds like r, u, and ui take practice, but it does get easier. The more you speak, the more natural it becomes.

💡 Important to note: In your final oral exam, you’ll be expected to hold a 15-minute conversation in French with examiners. This is usually split into two parts: a general discussion about yourself, your interests and experiences, and a detailed study on a specific topic you’ve researched. Preparing for this takes regular speaking practice, not last-minute cramming.

Each of these skills requires consistent practice. You can’t cram them the night before an exam.

Cultural Understanding

French VCE isn’t only about language mechanics. The study design emphasises cultural perspectives: how French is used in context, how French-speaking cultures differ, and how those differences compare to your own.

In fact, the Study Design states that some of the Units’ aims are to enable students to:

• “Understand the relationship between language and culture,

• Compare culture and languages and enhance cultural awareness,

• Understand and appreciate the cultural contexts in which French is spoken,

• Make connections between different languages, knowledge and ways of thinking”.

This part requires maturity, reflection, and the ability to think beyond the textbook. It’s also one of the most rewarding aspects: language comes alive when you connect it to real people and cultures. In the process, you will gain new insights into your own identity, language and culture. (Can you tell it's my favorite part of the Study Design?!).

So… Is French VCE Hard?

The honest answer? It depends.

French VCE is challenging, but very achievable if you’re consistent and motivated. If you enjoy languages, other cultures, French films, music, or reading, you’ll likely find it rewarding. If you’re only choosing French because you’ve heard it scales well, you might struggle. The subject demands steady effort all year long.

You don’t need to be a native speaker to do well, but you do need:

• Regular practice,

• Willingness to immerse yourself in the language

The bar is high, but the sense of accomplishment is huge.

Final Advice

Find ways to enjoy the process. Listen to French music, watch movies or follow French creators online. The more fun you make it, the easier it becomes to stay consistent.

Still unsure if French VCE is the right choice for you? Feel free to reach out, I’m always happy to chat and help you figure it out. And if you do end up choosing to do French VCE, make sure to follow me on Instagram. That’s the best spot to find all my valuable tips.