Languages

Studying a foreign language can be a great challenge for some students, but it is also very rewarding. The ability to communicate in a foreign language is now an essential component of many aspects of employment. Students who have shown a particular aptitude for languages at Key Stage 3, and who have been given the opportunity to study both French and Spanish until Year 9, may also choose to study both languages at GCSE level, helping them considerably in their future career prospects.

Course Details

There are three areas of study: Identity and culture (friends, family, communication technology, free time activities, customs and festivals in the French or Spanish-speaking world); Local, national, international and global areas of interest (home town/region, social issues, global issues, travel and tourism); Current and future study and employment (studies, life at school, post -16 education, jobs and careers).

The courses are taught using the four language skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.  Each skill is assessed independently and makes up 25% of the final grade. We follow the AQA course, which consists of examinations for Listening and Reading (which includes a translation element), one 10 - 12 minute oral exam, and one writing exam covering various communication skills and translation, including a literary element and a structured writing task (essay).

This is a new specification which replaces the previous system of controlled assessments. It places more emphasis on students’ ability to use language spontaneously (less memorisation of extended text) and tests their capability in a challenging manner, better preparing them for the rigours of post - 16 study in Languages.

See Mr Mullor for more information.