Introduction

At BCCS we offer GCSE French and German.  Students are welcome to opt for whichever language they have chosen during KS3, with the option to continue to A Level. Language groups tend to be smaller than KS3 classes, and we have the benefit of our Foreign Language Assistant for French and dedicated speaking lessons in German to support language learning.

In Year 10 we hope to give students the opportunity to participate in either a trip to Germany or via the Bristol–Bordeaux exchange to practise their language skills.

Click pictures below to watch a video to find out more about German or French and to to read more about careers linked with this option.

MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES GCSE

Aims

Throughout the course we aim to develop:

• an understanding of French/German in a variety of contexts

• a knowledge of French/German vocabulary and structures

• transferable language learning skills

• the ability to communicate effectively in French/German

• an awareness and understanding of the culture of the countries and communities where French/German is spoken

• skills for those students wishing to further their language qualifications to A Level.

Course Details

Students are required to:

• develop the ability to listen to and understand the spoken language in a range of contexts and a variety of styles

• communicate in speech for a variety of purposes

• read and respond to different types of written language

• communicate in writing for a variety of purposes

• understand and apply a range of vocabulary and structures

• develop language learning and communication skills that can be applied broadly

Topics to be studied for both the French and German GCSE include:

• Theme 1 People and Lifestyle: Identity and relationships with others; Healthy living and lifestyle; Education and work.

• Theme 2 Popular Culture: Free-time activities; Customs, festivals and celebrations; Celebrity culture.

• Theme 3 Communication and the world around us: Travel and tourism, including places of interest; Media and technology; The environment and where people live.

Commitment

Students will need to:

• regularly learn vocabulary in their chosen language, this is usually set as homework through Memrise/Quizlet, with tests to check understanding

• take a keen interest in language learning, and be curious about how their chosen language works (i.e. grammatical patterns)

• keep well organised notes for reference, and remember their exercise books and folders each lesson

How is the course assessed?

Listening: 25%

Students will be tested on their ability to understand spoken language from the set vocabulary and grammar list for each tier. Testing is through a variety of tasks which require a response, either written in English or non-verbally (e.g. multiple choice) to demonstrate understanding.  There is also a dictation task where students transcribe a few short sentences that they hear.

Foundation Tier: 35 minutes

Higher Tier: 45 minutes

Speaking: 25%

Students will be required to communicate verbally in different situations.  There are three components to this part of the exam: a role-play card, a read-aloud task and short conversation, and a photo card.  Students will respond to these stimuli in French/German at either Foundation or Higher tier, using a variety of language and tenses.

Foundation Tier: 7–9 minutes, in addition to preparation time. 

Higher Tier: 10–12 minutes, in addition to preparation time.

Reading: 25%

Students will be tested on their ability to understand written language. Testing is through a variety of tasks which require a response, either written in English or non-verbally (e.g. multiple choice) to demonstrate understanding. The examination consists of a number of short texts, notices or news reports in French/German, including a range of settings and styles (e.g text messages, adverts, emails).  Additionally there are 5 sentences to translate from French/German into English.

Foundation Tier: 45 minutes 

Higher Tier: 1 hour

Writing: 25%

Students will be required to communicate effectively in writing for a variety of purposes.  At Foundation level, students will produce short sentences in response to a photo, complete a short grammar task, and write 50 words in French/German on a given topic area. Both Foundation and Higher Tier students will also translate 5 sentences from English into French/German, and write 90 words from a choice of 2 topic areas. Higher Tier students will also complete a 150 word task from a choice of 2 topic areas. 

Foundation Tier: 1 hour 10 minutes 

Higher Tier: 1 hour 15 minutes

Higher and Foundation Tier

Students are entered for either the Higher Tier (up to grade 9) or Foundation Tier (up to grade 5) in all four skills.  There can be no combining of tiers.

Possible careers

A GCSE language qualification will open many doors for students and is highly valued by universities and employers alike.  Possible careers related to language learning include:

• The world of Business, Finance and Law

• Education

• Journalism

• Governmental agencies and Politics

• Travel industry

• Interpreting and Translation 

• Police and the Armed Forces

• Marketing and Publishing

Exam Board: AQA

GCSE French

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/french/gcse/french-8652/specification

GCSE German

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/german/gcse/german-8662/specification

Contact Details 

Ms Haddad