Embedded Files
Bienvenus and Bienvenidos
Bienvenus and Bienvenidos
Welcome to the Modern Foreign Languages Year 9 Options page.
Here you will find information about studying GCSE Modern Foreign Languages at King's Academy Binfield.
Watch the video for an overview of the course you will study in both languages and scroll down for further information.
As always, if you have any questions and are unable to find the answers here, please do not hesitate to contact your class teacher or Ms Bermejo using the links at the bottom of this page.
What will I study for GCSE Languages?
What will I study for GCSE Languages?
THEME 1
THEME 1
Identity & Culture
Identity & Culture
In this Theme you will study 15 sub-topics under the following headings:
Who am I?
Daily life
Cultural life
THEME 2
THEME 2
Local area, Holiday & Travel
Local area, Holiday & Travel
In this Theme you will study 11 sub-topics under the following headings:
Holidays
Travel and tourist transactions
Tow, region and country
THEME 3
THEME 3
School
School
In this Theme you will study 8 sub-topics under the following headings:
What school is like
School activities
THEME 4
THEME 4
Future aspirations, Study and Work
Future aspirations, Study and Work
In this Theme you will study 9 sub-topics under the following headings:
Using languages beyond the classroom
Ambitions
Work
THEME 5
THEME 5
International and Global Dimensions
International and Global Dimensions
In this Theme you will study 5 sub-topics under the following headings:
Bringing the world together
Environmental issues
HOW WILL GCSE LANGUAGES BE ASSESSED?
HOW WILL GCSE LANGUAGES BE ASSESSED?
You will take four exams worth 25% each. You can take foundation or higher level, and you will be given a grade between 1 and 9, with 9 being the highest.
PAPER 1 - 25%
Listening and Understanding
Content overview:
This paper draws on vocabulary and structures across all the themes and topics.
Assessment overview:
You are assessed on your understanding of standard spoken Spanish and/or French by one or more speakers in a range of public and social settings.
You will respond to multiple-response and short-answer open response questions based on a recording featuring male and female speakers.
You must answer all questions in both sections.
There is no requirement for you to produce written responses in Spanish and/or French.
Foundation tier
Section A is set in English with instructions in English.
Section B is set in Spanish or French with instructions being in the target language.
Higher tier
Section A is set in Spanish or French with instructions in the target language.
Section B is set in English with instructions in English.
Paper 2 - 25 %
Speaking in the Target Language
Content overview:
This paper draws on vocabulary and structures across all the themes and topics.
Assessment overview
You are assessed on your ability to communicate and interact effectively through speaking in Spanish and/or French for different purposes and in different settings.
There are three tasks which are conducted in the following order:
Task 1 – a role play based on one topic that is allocated by Pearson.
Task 2 – questions based on a picture stimulus based on one topic that is allocated by Pearson.
Task 3 – conversation based on two themes. The first theme is based on a topic chosen by you in advance of the assessment. The second theme is allocated by Pearson.
The assessments are conducted by teachers.
Paper 3 - 25%
Reading and Understanding
Content overview:
This paper draws on vocabulary and structures across all the themes and topics.
Assessment overview
You are assessed on your understanding of written Spanish and/or French across a range of different types of texts, including advertisements, emails, letters, articles and literary texts.
You are required to respond to multiple-response and short-answer questions based on these texts.
You must answer all questions in each of the three sections:
Section A is set in English with the instructions in English.
Section B is set in Spanish or French with instructions in the target language.
Section C includes a translation passage from Spanish or French into English with instructions in English.
Paper 4 - 25%
Writing in the Target Language
Content overview:
This paper draws on vocabulary and structures across all the themes and topics.
Assessment overview
You are assessed on your ability to communicate effectively through writing in Spanish or French for different purposes and audiences.
You are required to produce extended responses of varying lengths and types to express ideas and opinions in Spanish or French.
The instructions are in the target language.
Word counts are specified for each question.
You must answer all questions.
Foundation tier
Three open response questions and one translation into the target language.
Higher tier
Two open response questions and one translation into the target language.
MFL FAQs
MFL FAQs
Why should I study a language?
Learning languages allows you to:
Meet people from different countries and find out more about them
Learn many skills which are useful in a wide range of careers, such as the ability to communicate clearly, be confident about speaking in public, use problem solving strategies and write coherently
Add an international dimension to your choice of GCSE subjects, which is something many employers and higher education providers want
Have greater opportunities to work and/or study abroad, or work for companies in the UK with international links
Discuss your interests, ideas and opinions with other people who speak the language
Learn more about countries where the language is spoken, and the people who speak it
Who will teach me GCSE French or Spanish?
We aim not to share classes and you will be taught by the same teacher in both Year 10 and Year 11. This will provide you with a consistent and familiar approach throughout your GCSE course.
Will I be set in Languages?
No, we believe that mixed-ability teaching provides all learners with the best possible outcomes. Classes will be taught in mixed-ability with resources and activities being differentiated and pitched at the needs of all students. We believe in setting challenging tasks that stretch all students regardless of ability.
What specification do we follow in Languages?
We follow the Pearson Edexcel GCSE 9-1 French and Spanish courses.
For the full specification please use the following links:
What will I learn?
GCSE French and Spanish helps you explore a wide range of topics, from celebrations and festivals, through to getting by as a tourist in France or Spain to international campaigns and events. You will learn about French or Spanish culture through a range of interesting topics which will add to your understanding of the language and country. We cover five themes in both language, each broken down into topics and sub-topics.
You can find a breakdown of the themes, topics and sub-topics here.
Will we be able to visit France or Spain as part of the GCSE course?
There is nothing more valuable than experiencing the culture of a foreign country first hand and as soon as we are able to explore this option safely you will absolutely spend some time in France or Spain. However, until it is possible to do so, we will be using lots of different mediums in lessons that will allow you to experience the rich culture of these countries as fully as possible.
How will I be assessed?
You will take four exams worth 25% each. You can take foundation or higher level, and you will be given a grade between 1 and 9, with 9 being the highest. For a detailed overview on how you will be assessed, click on the specification links below for the language you are interested in taking for GCSE.
How can I succeed in Languages?
In order to be a successful modern languages student all you need is enthusiasm, determination, independence, curiosity, empathy, confidence and a smile!
You will be provided with all of the necessary resources to support you but ultimately it will be down to you to make the most of them. Your teacher will do everything they can to facilitate your learning but the responsibility to take on board advice is ultimately down to you.
You will need to be prepared to spend some time, out of lessons, consolidating the learning that has occurred in class and revisiting vocabulary and grammar on a regular basis, independently.
The following websites support independent learning:
What can I do after I’ve completed the course?
People with language skills and knowledge usually have an advantage over people without them. They stand out as talented and successful people, with broad and exciting horizons. Taking GCSE French or Spanish means you will:
Add an extra dimension to your personal skills profile which will impress anyone who reads your CV
Be in a stronger position to get a job in companies with international links or improve employability if you would like to work abroad
Be able to work or study in a French or Spanish-speaking country in later life
Be able to study AS and A level French or Spanish courses to further your knowledge of the language and culture
Find it easier to learn other languages later if you want to
For further questions about the course, including how you will be assessed in French or Spanish GCSE, please use the link below.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us using this form here.
Alternatively, you can email your Languages teacher directly:
Ms Bermejo: natasha.bermejo@kingsacademies.uk
Mrs Crockford: kate.crockford@kingsacademies.uk
Mrs Laroche: line.laroche@kingsacademies.uk
Miss Lee: sarah.lee@kingsacademies.uk
Page updated
Report abuse