GCSE MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES
(AQA French, AQA Spanish)
Course Description and Assessment details
We offer two MFL GCSE courses: French and Spanish. Students are assessed by examination in the four skills of Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing. Examinations can be taken at Foundation or Higher tier; the level being decided according to the student's progress.
GCSE courses in French and Spanish aim to prepare students to be able to communicate effectively in the foreign language in a range of situations appropriate to their age and experience. Their aim is also to lay a sound foundation for further study, for example entry to AS-Level courses.
The courses involve the development of the four skills of language-learning, namely: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The student will learn to cope in a number of realistic situations which s/he could be expected to encounter as a visitor abroad or when dealing with foreigners in this country. Topics include leisure, travelling, part-time jobs, and future plans. In Modern Foreign Language courses, students will use ICT as a language-learning tool. By means of CDs, DVDs and computer software, students will hear a wide variety of everyday spoken French and Spanish. They will gain confidence in reading authentic items of written language, for example letters and magazine articles and they will be taught how to write similar pieces in the foreign language. Their competence in speaking will grow with practice in expressing their opinions, ideas and their experiences through talking regularly in the target language in class. Students may have the opportunity of visiting France and Spain during the course.
Assessment
Students will be assessed regularly throughout the course after each topic in order for them to become familiar with the process and to help with revision. Speaking and Writing will be examined by controlled assessment in December or January and May.
Listening and Reading will be assessed by final examinations in May.
All 4 skills will be tested and weighted in this way:
Listening 20%
Reading 20%
Speaking 30%
Writing 30%
Progress Routes and Careers
British business people are increasingly aware of the need to employ individuals who can cope with correspondence, telephone calls and general business dealings in a foreign language. In order to meet this demand many courses have been developed at Colleges and Universities which combine a specific skill such as marketing or business studies with a foreign language. Courses in ICT skills plus French and Spanish are very popular and can lead to interesting and rewarding careers in the UK, on the European mainland and further afield in the world. Progression from GCSE could be to study AS and A2 French or Spanish in the Sixth Form.