MFL

Curriculum Leader - Nadim Cham

Examination – Cambridge IGCSE

Course Content

The subject content is organised in five broad topic areas (A–E below). These provide contexts for the acquisition of vocabulary and the study of grammar and structures. The study of these topic areas enables students to gain an insight into countries and communities where Spanish/French is spoken. 

A. Everyday activities 

B. Personal and social life 

C. The world around us 

D. The world of work 

E. The international world 

The syllabus gives students opportunities to develop and apply a wide range of foreign language skills. Candidates will be expected to read and understand a variety of written and spoken texts on familiar topics. Candidates will be required to demonstrate understanding of the main ideas, opinions and attitudes, as well as select and extract relevant details and deduce the meaning of occasional unknown words from context. They will also have opportunities to write in Spanish/French on familiar, everyday topics, and to speak the language by taking part in everyday conversations. 

This syllabus is designed for students who are learning Spanish/French as a foreign language. The aim is to develop an ability to use the language effectively for practical communication. The course is based on the linked language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, and these are built on as learners progress through their studies.

The syllabus also aims to offer insights into the culture of countries where Spanish/French is spoken, thus encouraging positive attitudes towards language learning and towards speakers of other languages.

The aims are to enable students to: 

• develop the language proficiency required to communicate effectively in Spanish/French at level A2 (CEFR Basic User), with elements of level B1 (CEFR Independent User) 

• offer insights into the culture and society of countries and communities where Spanish/French is spoken 

• develop awareness of the nature of language and language learning • encourage positive attitudes towards speakers of other languages and a sympathetic approach to other cultures 

• provide enjoyment and intellectual stimulation 

• develop transferable skills (e.g. memorising, drawing of inferences) to complement other areas of the curriculum 

• form a sound base of the skills, language and attitudes required for progression to work or further study, either in Spanish/French or another subject area. 

How will you be assessed?

All candidates take all four papers.  - Candidates will be eligible for grades A* to G since all candidates take:

Paper 1 Listening 25%

50 minutes 

Candidates listen to a number of recordings and answer multiple-choice and matching questions. Externally assessed 

Paper 2 1 hour Reading 25% 

1 hour

Candidates read a number of texts and answer multiple-choice and matching questions as well as questions requiring short answers. Externally assessed 

Paper 3 Speaking 25% (40 marks) 

Approximately 10 minutes - Candidates complete one role play and conversations on two topics. Internally assessed and externally moderated 

Paper 4 1 hour Writing 25% (45 marks) 

Candidates complete one form-filling task, one directed writing task and one task in the format of an email/letter

Careers

Foreign language knowledge, concepts and soft skills can open doors to all careers and are valued by universities for a range of courses.

Overview