MFL

GCSE - MODERN LANGUAGES

French or German

Employers and universities are increasingly looking for people with language skills. Foreign language skills as are rated second only to IT by companies when it comes to finding the right candidate.

Being able to speak a language can help to broaden your horizons, make new friends and have experiences which will benefit you throughout your life. You can’t simply rely on an online translator! Those who speak another language earn, on average, more than those who do not. What’s more, recent research has shown that speaking another language keeps your brain young!

You might also think that Brexit means that languages are no longer required for the UK. Far from it! According to the British Council, the exit from the European Union makes it vital for people in Britain to have foreign language skills. Britons will not be able to trade and compete on a global scale without being able to speak other languages.

Modern Languages have been identified by the top 20 leading universities as being amongst the ‘facilitating’ subjects. These are the subjects which this group (known as the Russell Group) says are most likely to be required for entry to degree courses and ones that will keep the most options open. A spokesperson for this group of universities recently said, ‘Achievement at school is the key to increasing your chances of winning a place at a leading university, but choosing ‘facilitating subjects’ at GCSE and A-level is also crucial.’ Remember, over 500,000 students are in the same year group as you nationally and will also be competing for jobs and university places at the same time as you! Over half of these students will have taken a language at GCSE.

A GCSE in French or German forms part of the Ebacc (English Baccalaureate). In order to achieve this, you will need to secure higher grades across a core of these subjects – English, Mathematics, History or Geography, two Sciences and a Language.

What do you do in a French or German GCSE?

Over the next 2 years, you will build on the foundations of the work you have done in KS3. You will add to this with study of topics such as Technology, Travel, Career Choices, Free time, Global and Social Issues. In lessons you will be using a blend of the course book, video clips, authentic materials and websites. You will develop your language skills using this variety of sources and through a rich-variety of activities to prepare you for the exams which are all taken at the end of your course.

Exam Board: AQA

Assessment: Speaking 25% 1 exam, lasting 9-12 minutes

Writing 25% 1 exam, lasting 60-75 minutes

Reading 25% 1 exam, lasting 45-60 minutes

Listening 25% 1 exam, lasting 35-45 minutes

(Length of exam will depend on your tier of entry – Foundation or Higher.)

View the video here for more information.