French

As far as language study at G.C.S.E. is concerned, we live in exciting times. September 2009 will see the introduction of a brand new G.C.S.E. specification. Pupils will learn vocabulary and structure designed to help them meet the expectations and demands of twenty-first living.

The new G.C.S.E. course combines the traditional needs of the keen linguist with those of the modern employment market and the result is an up-dated, interesting and uncomplicated course which combines general and vocational language.

The new focus would potentially …..

• prepare pupils for world travel
• lead to AS and A2 courses
• add an extra dimension to a pupil’s CV in terms of personal skills
• place a pupil in a stronger position to get a job in companies with international links or to work abroad.

In a global economy the importance and value of studying a modern foreign language is clear. A number of professions now actively seek candidates with a working knowledge of a language other than English. Also a number of universities stipulate a language at G.C.S.E. level as an entry requirement for many of their courses or expect a candidate without a language at G.C.S.E. to take a supplementary course during the first year at university.

It will be essential for pupils to find out if they need a language qualification for their chosen career.

G.C.S.E. FRENCH and SPANISH

The Modern Languages Faculty offers French and Spanish at G.C.S.E. Both languages will follow the EDEXCEL syllabus for G.C.S.E. and therefore the content and course requirements are the same for both.

French is available as an option for all pupils in KS3. The G.C.S.E. course offers pupils the opportunity to build on their studies in KS3 through a diversity of methodology, situations and resources. French is a world language and is traditionally the language linked to law studies and humanities.

The Course

Pupils follow a two-year linear course leading to final examination in Listening and Reading. Speaking and Writing are assessed via controlled assignments at points in the course decided by the school. Following on from the KS3 curriculum in Modern Languages, the G.C.S.E. provides the flexibility, choice and scope for personalised learning.

Assessment

Skill	% of GCSE	Time / Availability	Additional Information
LISTENING	20%	external exam - June (Foundation or Higher)	Content relates to four prescribed common topic areas. (see below)
SPEAKING	30%	Internal assessment External moderation - Can be taken at a time decided by the centre and dependant on the progress of the individual pupil	Speaking assessment must include two different activity types chosen from the following:- • An open-ended interaction • A picture-based discussion • A presentation followed by a discussion
READING	20%	external exam – June (Foundation or Higher)	Content relates to four prescribed common topic areas. (see below)
WRITING	30%	Controlled assessment. Marks can be submitted in either January or June	Two pieces of controlled writing based on one of four themes (see below) Students must demonstrate the ability to use language for different purposes.

Course Content

Teachers and students will have considerable control of content in the speaking and writing units and may focus on one or more of the following broad themes.

• Media and Culture – music / film / reading / fashion / internet / celebrity
• Sport and Leisure – Hobbies and interests / Sport / Lifestyle choices
• Travel and Tourism – Holidays / Food and drink / Accommodation
• Business, Work and Employment – Work experience / Part-time jobs / Services

There are four common topic areas for Reading and Listening Comprehension.

Out and About	Customer Service and Transactions	Personal Information	Future Plans, Education and work
Visitor information Weather Local Amenities Accommodation Public Transport Directions	Cafés and Restaurants Shops Dealing with problems	General interests Leisure activities Family and friends Lifestyle	Basic language of the internet Job Advertisements Job Applications and CV School and College Work and work experience

Pupils will have the opportunity to form links with French speaking countries – France and Canada.