GCSE Languages – French & Spanish
Introduction
The ability to communicate in another language is an extremely valuable life skill, both personally and professionally. On a personal level, it gives you the opportunity to develop high levels of resilience, confidence and awareness of other people and their cultures. People who learn a second language have a deeper understanding of their own language and enhanced communication and problem-solving skills. In today’s global economy, employers are keen to have people with language skills working for them. Whatever career you decide to follow, the ability to communicate in a modern language will be regarded as a great asset.
What Will I Study?
The courses for French and Spanish will build on knowledge acquired in Years 7-9 and you will develop further your skills in the four different areas of language learning, namely: Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. The topic areas are varied and are designed to be engaging and relevant to your current and future needs.
Thematic contexts:
- My personal world
- Lifestyle and wellbeing
- My neighbourhood
- Media and technology
- Studying and my future
- Travel and tourism
Within these thematic contexts, you will learn a range of vocabulary and grammar relating to the following subjects:
- Family, friends, relationships
- Equality
- Physical and mental wellbeing
- Food and drink
- Sports
- Places in town and shopping
- Transport
- The natural world
- Social media and gaming
- Future opportunities (work and travel)
- Accommodation and tourist attractions
- School
- Music, TV and film
How will I be Assessed?
Paper 1 – Speaking – 25% of the total qualification
- Task 1: reading aloud task and short interaction
- Task 2: role play
- Task 3: photo card discussion
Paper 2 – Listening – 25% of the total qualification
- Task 1: understanding and responding to spoken extracts
- Task 2: dictation for which students transcribe spoken language into written language
Paper 3 – Reading – 25% of the total qualification
- Task 1: understanding and responding to written texts
- Task 2: translating from the target language into English
Paper 4 – Writing – 25% of the total qualification
- Foundation Tier: picture-based task, two open response tasks and one translation into the target language
- Higher Tier: one open response task, one extended writing task and one translation into the target language
Candidates will be entered for either Foundation or Higher tier.
Career Opportunities
Language skills are useful in almost any career, and particularly in businesses that trade internationally. Journalism, Media, Law, Engineering, Business, Marketing, ICT, Sport, Leisure, Travel and Tourism, Customer Service, Civil Service and Teaching are all examples of careers where language skills are particularly valued.
Exam Board: Pearson EDEXCEL
Course Codes:
- French – 610/2718/2
- Spanish – 610/3469/1
Contact information
For more information please contact:
