Leaving Cert French · Syllabus
What's Actually On the Leaving Cert French Syllabus?
No prescribed novel, no set text to analyse — just four skills, a set of recurring topics, and a genuine ability to communicate in French. Here's what the course really covers.
Leaving Cert French has no prescribed literature or fixed topic list — unlike subjects such as English. Instead, it's built around four skills: speaking (oral), listening (aural), reading and writing, developed through a set of recurring real-life topics and an awareness of French-speaking cultures around the world (la Francophonie).
The Four Skills
Speaking
Conversation, opinions, fluency
Listening
Understanding spoken French
Reading
Articles, texts, comprehension
Writing
Essays, opinion pieces, functional writing
Common Topics Across the Course
The same real-world themes tend to come up across oral, aural, reading and written sections alike:
There's no official list to memorise — but preparing solid vocabulary and opinions across these areas covers the vast majority of what actually comes up.
No Novel, No Set Text
Unlike English or some other Leaving Cert subjects, French has no prescribed novel, play or literary text to study. The course is skills-based, not text-based — the focus is entirely on your ability to understand and produce French, not on analysing a specific work.
| Aspect | Higher Level | Ordinary Level |
|---|---|---|
| Content & topics | The same across both levels | |
| Language demanded | Greater accuracy, range, complexity | More straightforward language accepted |
| Oral weighting | 25% | 20% |
| Aural weighting | 20% | 25% |
| Reading Comprehension | 30% | 40% |
| Written Expression | 25% | 15% |
See the full marks breakdown for both levels →
Want the syllabus taught week by week?
The Complete 36-Week Higher Level Programme works through every skill and topic area in a structured order, from September to the exam.
Explore the Complete ProgrammeFrequently Asked Questions
Do you need to study a novel or play for Leaving Cert French?
No. Unlike subjects such as English, there is no prescribed novel, play or set text. The course is skills-based rather than text-based.
What topics come up in Leaving Cert French?
Common topics include family and daily life, school and future plans, technology and social media, the environment, employment, immigration and diversity, health and wellbeing, and the wider French-speaking world.
What is the difference between the Higher and Ordinary Level syllabus?
The content and topics are the same at both levels. Higher Level demands greater accuracy, range of vocabulary and complexity of language, and the marks are weighted differently between the four skill areas.
