There is no (I)GCSE First Language examination from 2019.
The course provides the opportunity for native or near native speakers to improve their language skills and engage in a deeper study of the culture. Students study this course to prepare for a Language A course at IBDP level.
Course content
The course consists of two major components:
themes
literature
Using the themes as a basis, various literary and non-literary texts are explored to develop students’ ability and effectiveness in listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Skills developed
develop the ability to read and understand various forms of Japanese texts at a deeper level suitable for analysis and commentary
develop the ability to communicate effectively in both written and spoken forms of the language
develop the ability to effectively summarise and convey arguments
to solidify their foundational knowledge of the language
prepare for the IBDP Japanese Language A course
Assessment
Internal assessment – 100%
paper 1 – reading and directed writing (2 hours 15 minutes) – 60%
paper 2 – continuous writing of 600–800 characters
(1 hour 15 minutes) – 40%