Page 21 - Y9 Courses Booklet 2021-23

French, German, Spanish

Exam board AQA GCSE French, German, Spanish
What will I These courses build on your skills and knowledge from Y7, Y8 and Y9. You will learn
do on this new language structures and vocabulary based on topic areas such as
course? “Technology”, “Customs and festivals” “The environment” and “Holidays and
travel”.
Lessons will be very similar in KS4 but at a higher level. All four skills of Speaking,
Reading, Listening and Writing tasks will be covered in the lessons and learning
vocabulary and grammar regularly is a key part of success.
There will also be a greater focus on talking spontaneously, translations and literary
texts (poems, songs, films etc.), which will also form part of the GCSE exams.
How am I There are 2 levels of entry: higher grades 9-4 and foundation grades 5 – 1.
assessed? The exact weighting for the exams will be the following:
Exam Quantity Timing Percentage
Reading Exam 1 End of Y11 25%
Listening Exam 1 End of Y11 25%
Writing Exam 1 End of Y11 25%
Speaking Exam 1 End of Y11 25%
What skills A willingness to learn words and grammar thoroughly on a regular basis both in
do I need? school and at home and also to participate actively in speaking activities.
A willingness to work hard, have a “can do” attitude and have an interest in the
culture as well as the language.
A willingness to take advantage of all opportunities offered, e.g. extra speaking
workshops with the Foreign Language Assistant or use of private study packs.

What are the Languages are an essential, life-long skill, which are very valuable in the world of
progression work.
routes? Studying a language will lead to more than a qualification – it will broaden your
horizons, teach you valuable problem-solving skills and it will extend your choices
in your future career.
You will have the opportunity to go on a variety of trips such as exchanges or
study trips.
The Higher Level GCSE course leads to the A-Level course. To consider starting the
A-Level course, you need to achieve at least a grade 6 at GCSE. A-Level Languages
are very sought-after qualifications.

Where do I Mrs Kelly (Head of Languages)
find out Mr Jones / Mrs Steele for German
more Ms Cruikshanks for French
information? Mr Church for Spanish

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