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Head of MFL - Mrs L Essadok
"One language set you in a corridor for life. Two languages opens every door along the way." - Frank Smith
"One language set you in a corridor for life. Two languages opens every door along the way." - Frank Smith
Why choose French?
Why choose French?
French is spoken by about 110 million people, mainly by people living in France and as a second language by a further 190 million French language speakers. So, if you're thinking about learning a language, French is an excellent choice for its global application, either in the working world or if you want to travel.
A language GCSE will teach you practical use of a language – which could help you in almost any career and is looked upon extremely favourably by the best UK universities when offering places to prospective students.
A language also provides you with transferable skills, which are viewed favourably by employers, who want candidates with strengths that translate to the workplace. The language GCSE curriculum fosters key skills, such as communication, problem-solving and working with others and will help you in preparation for the world of work.
Even if you are unsure 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 to many of their courses.
A language is an excellent addition to any set of skills and facilitates both work and study abroad. The skills that are taught within the subject are very useful in work, study and life.
Being able to adapt to changing situations at work is useful in all careers from business and finance roles to team leadership and freelance work. Many jobs involve being able to work independently and the ability to make decisions and take the initiative and this is something that all employers prize in candidates. Problem Solving is part of a range of careers. Engineers, designer, medical professionals, social workers and teachers must all think creatively to overcome problems every day. Not just important for entrepreneurs, managers and HR professionals. Leadership is the ability to motivate your colleagues, customers and even your boss through calm, quiet confidence and competence.
If you have one or two additional languages this will widen your chances of job opportunities both at home and abroad.
Exam Board : AQA
Qualification Type: GCSE (EBacc subject)
Assessment : 3 exams, plus one internal assessment
Exam Length :
Paper 1: Listening exam 25% of GCSE: 35 minutes (Foundation tier), 45 minutes (Higher tier). 40 marks (Foundation tier), 50 marks (Higher tier).
Paper 2: Speaking exam 25% of GCSE (Non-exam assessment) : 7-9 minutes (Foundation tier) + 15 minutes preparation time, 10-12 minutes (Higher tier) + 15 minutes preparation time. 50 marks (for each of Foundation and Higher tier).
Paper 3: Reading exam 25% of GCSE: 45 minutes (Foundation tier), 1 hour (Higher tier). 50 marks (for each Foundation and Higher tier)
Paper 4: Writing exam 25% of GCSE: 1 hour 10 minutes (Foundation tier), 1 hour 15 minutes (Higher tier). 50 marks (for each Foundation and Higher tier)
What would help? Anyone can choose this course, however you may find it easier to access if you are working at a Grade 4 or above at the moment in Y9 French
Course Content
Course Content
The specification covers three distinct themes. These themes apply to all four question papers.
The specification covers three distinct themes. These themes apply to all four question papers.
Theme 1: People and lifestyle. Theme 1 covers the following three topics:
Topic 1: Identity and relationships with others
Topic 2: Healthy living and lifestyle
Topic 3: Education and work
Theme 2: Popular culture. Theme 2 covers the following three topics:
Topic 1: Free-time activities
Topic 2: Customs, festivals and celebrations
Topic 3: Celebrity culture
Theme 3: Communication and the world around us. Theme 3 covers the following three topics:
Topic 1: Travel and tourism, including places of interest
Topic 2: Media and technology
Topic 3: The environment and where people live
"I am really glad I got to study French in Y7-9, and it was an easy choice for me to continue it as one of my GCSE option subjects" - Year 9 student
Methods of Study
Methods of Study
Lessons will follow the latest AQA course book and will focus on the 4 skills of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
Speaking and Listening will be given high priority and we encourage individual practice and learning both at school and at home.
A bilingual dictionary will be required. AQA revision guide and workbook are recommended.
"Having a second language as a GCSE subject gives me lots more options for courses if I apply to University in a few years time" - Y10 student
Assessment
Assessment
Assessment is by examinations at the end of Year 11. Examining Board: AQA. The following method of assessment is used:
Equal weighting is given to each of the four skills: Speaking (25%), Listening (25%), Reading (25%) and Writing (25%)
There will be two tiers of assessment for all four skills:Foundation Tier (Grades 1-5) and a Higher Tier (Grades 4-9).
Speaking examinations will be internally assessed at the end of Year 11.
Listening, Reading and Writing examinations take place in May of Year 11.
Here are some reasons why you might want to chose GCSE French next year...
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