Our aims in Years 10 and 11 are:

• To develop the ability to use languages effectively for purposes of practical communication;
• To form a sound base for the skills, language and attitudes required for further study, work and leisure;
• To offer insight into the cultures & civilisations of French and Spanish speaking countries;
• To develop an awareness of the nature of language and language learning;
• To provide enjoyment and intellectual stimulation.

A qualification in Languages is an asset for any student in the job market, opening up opportunities in business, travel, tourism, education and many other spheres. A Language GCSE is also particularly important for those thinking about A – Level examinations and is a facilitating subject at university.

The examinations taken will demand considerable speaking and listening skills, together with competence in reading and writing. Furthermore, particularly for those aiming for higher grades, (9-5), students need to understand the grammar of the language they are studying and then adapt what they know to new situations.

For the development of listening skills, audio material of native speakers is provided, with the speakers talking on topical subjects of relevant practical application.

There will be an increasing emphasis on developing students’ speaking skills in a wide variety of situations. Students will be expected to respond to and communicate in the foreign language as much as possible during lessons. They will have to present ideas as a presentation, as well as ask and answer questions in a range of different situations. They will also have to practise role-plays to be able to cope with real-life situations abroad. Students will complete a speaking exam at the end of the two year course.

Alongside the productive skill of speaking is the writing component of the course. Students will learn how to master the grammar of the language and have opportunities to write in the language in class and for homework. Assessment is an exam at the end of Year 11 where they are marked on the content of what they say as well as the quality of the language and range of structures that are used. There will also be a small translation element.

Throughout the course, there are many opportunities to use ICT and multimedia to develop language skills, to understand the culture and to bring the world of the foreign language into the classroom. There are opportunities to go on trips that will build confidence and give students the opportunity to use the skills and knowledge that they are learning. We also aim to use authentic material wherever possible.

To take either French or Spanish, it is necessary to have studied the relevant language in Year 9.

French and Spanish GCSE

The French and Spanish courses are based on the Oxford AQA GCSE course books, which give practice in the four skills of:

1. Listening
2. Speaking
3. Reading
4. Writing the language

The topics covered are as follows:

• Family and friends
• Technology
• Free time
• Customs and festivals
• Local area
• Social and global issues
• Travel and tourism
• School and college
• Jobs and careers