Course content
French, Spanish and Italian are offered to GCSE. Language courses follow the Edexcel specification. Each course is assessed in four skill areas: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. Each skill constitutes a percentage of the total grade, speaking and coursework are 30% respectively and reading and writing constitute 20% respectively of the GCSE and students may be entered for either the Foundation or Higher tier in each of the four skills (although the coursework and speaking tasks are self-differentiating i.e. the quality of the work produced determines the grade).
There is no speaking examination as such as this takes the form of two extended role plays and is administered and assessed by the class teacher throughout the course and the work/recordings are sent away for moderation by the examinations board.
The writing component consists of two pieces of coursework over the two year course. The first piece is generally completed in the last term of Year 10 and the remaining two pieces before the February of Year 11. All coursework is invigilated by the class teacher and marked by the examination board. Two pieces of coursework must be completed under controlled conditions for those who follow the new Edexcel courses (current year 10 French and Spanish GCSE classes).
We aim to organise a study trip during the course study for all our language classes. Currently Y11 Italian go to Venice, Florence and Rome, Y11 Spanish go to Madrid and Y11 French go to Brittany.
Term 1: Self and hobbies; Leisure
Term 2: Home Life; Healthy Living; Shopping; Exam Practice; End of Year Examination
Term 3 - Coursework Assignment 1: "Education and Future Career"; Part-Time Jobs; Work Experience
Recommended book list and websites
A bilingual dictionary is a prerequisite for these courses and students should ensure they have one at home in order to do their homework and coursework competently.
Applicable for each language studied:
GCSE Bitesize
www.linguascope.com
and/or purchase a study guide with CD study guide.
Homework/coursework requirements
Homework is given once per week. It constitutes a meaningful and valid part of the programme of study. It is generally a written piece of work, such as a practice examination paper or a reading comprehension and will take at least an hour to complete. The homework may also be an on-going coursework assignment. If homework is not handed in we shall send a letter home to parents to inform them of this.
