Spanish

The ability to speak a foreign language is becoming more and more important in the world of work. Students should consult the displays in each MFL classroom for information from CILT, the Government Languages Agency about the benefits of learning a foreign language and discuss any issues with their MFL teacher. When choosing your options, it is important to remember that some universities require or prefer students to have a GCSE in a foreign language. You will develop the ability to give and justify your opinions on issues such as healthy lifestyles and the environment. You will be able to describe and comment upon recent holidays and free-time activities as well as discussing the importance of issues such as technology in the world we live in, homelessness and environmental issues in a global context. 

The AQA GCSE examination tests listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, 25% per skill. The course is linear and all examinations will be taken at the end of Year 11. There are two tiers at which you can be tested - Foundation and Higher. 

We put the emphasis on the 4 skills described (listening, speaking, reading and writing). You will work on different topics from textbooks, interactive materials through Google Slides Presentations, the AQA Kerboodle programme and the use of past exam questions. As languages are a skill for life, students are encouraged to maximise their confidence in the spoken language through group work and pair work. 

A language GCSE will teach you practical use of a language – which could help you in almost any career and open up opportunities at home and abroad. Even if you do not choose to continue languages past GCSE level, it will provide you with a suitable basis for further study of a foreign language later in life. Transferable skills are a watch word among employers, who want candidates with strengths that translate to the workplace. Currently the United Kingdom loses £48 billion in trade every year as we simply don’t possess the necessary language skills!

The language GCSE curriculum fosters key skills, such as communication, ICT, problem-solving and working with others and will help you in preparation for the world of work. Even if you are not sure whether you want to continue with languages past GCSE level, university admissions tutors will often look favourably on applicants with language skills – and some top universities, such as University College London, will actually be demanding a language GCSE for entry.

How will choosing a language at GCSE level improve my employment prospects?

A language GCSE is a huge advantage in the workplace not only for young people who want to be a teacher or translator - language skills will prove useful for anything and everything, from fashion to sport, music and technology. Employers say they want applicants with conversational ability in a second language; which means just having a little bit of language could help you when you come to get a job. You may not fancy working abroad, but UK businesses need linguists and a little bit of knowledge of a second language will help you in careers from technology to customer service, and can even be helpful when looking for summer jobs, particularly in tourism. The CBI (Confederation of British Industry) states that they are “dissatisfied with 47% of graduate language skills in French, German and Spanish.”

What other opportunities could I have as a result of learning a language?

Just one in four of the world’s population speaks any English, which means having another language will give you countless opportunities to meet new people, make friends and network. These days gap years are becoming ever more popular – close to seven in ten teenagers say they’d like to work abroad at some point. One student, who has lived in Spain and Argentina, says she would have been lost without her language skills on her gap year travels.

 “I cannot imagine how hard life would be here without being able to speak Spanish.”

What if I do not think a language GCSE is for me?

Languages have a reputation for being difficult and it’s true that a language GCSE is a rigorous qualification, which is why it is so valued in the wider world. But it’s a myth that languages are only for the super-intelligent. Alex Read, who has landed a job with a multilingual telecoms firm says, “I never felt I was a natural linguist at school but I persevered with it – and that determination has really paid off.”

Moreover, languages aren’t just for young people who are interested in the arts subjects – a language GCSE will complement any other subject you are taking, from maths to music. Having a language along with another specialism can be very beneficial in later life. For example, the World Health Organisation demands that all its employees have proficiency in a second language.