Modern Foreign Languages

The ability to understand and communicate in other languages is increasingly important in our society and in the global economy. Languages contribute to the cultural and linguistic richness of our society, to personal fulfillment, mutual understanding, commercial success and international trade as well as global citizenship. GCSE languages will teach you skills useful in communicating with others, in travelling and meeting new people, and will be beneficial if you would like to try living or working among cultures across the world or even just across the Channel in Europe.

French, German and Spanish are all offered at GCSE. If you are taking separate Sciences you must choose at least one language. Latin can count as your language choice. Trilogy Scientists (who take the equivalent of two GCSEs in Science), do not need to study a language, although they may choose Spanish as one of their subject choices.

What you will study and how you will be assessed

The emphasis is on communication through the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. The GCSE syllabus offers learning opportunities that are realistic and relevant to real life. All four skills are tested with equal emphasis placed on the productive skills of writing and speaking as well as reading and listening to the language studied. The syllabus is centred on three themes:

Theme 1: Identity and culture Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest Theme 3: Current and future study and employment There are examinations for each of the skills with a variety of question styles. • Listening Examination 25% • Reading Examination 25% • Writing Examination 25% • Speaking Examination 25%

The writing examination requires you to communicate effectively in a range of task types for a variety of purposes, culminating in extended pieces of work on some of the studied topics.

In Year 11, you benefit from the opportunity to take part in extra conversation class which improves your confidence and ultimately your enjoyment and fluency. The speaking examination is conducted by your teacher. The conversation lasts for up to 12 minutes, with three component parts: a role play, a response to a stimulus card and an extended conversation.

We organise a variety of events and opportunities for you to use your language skills beyond the classroom for all of the Modern Foreign Languages we offer at GCSE.

Examination Board – AQA

French and German: Core subject language option if following Separate Science Pathway. Not available if following Trilogy Science Pathway. Spanish: Core subject language option if following Separate Science Pathway. Optional subject if following Trilogy Science Pathway or can be studied as a second language if following Separate Science Pathway.