GCSE LANGUAGES (FRENCH, GERMAN, SPANISH)

WHAT IS THE GCSE LANGUAGE COURSE ABOUT?

In a GCSE Language course you will learn the language necessary to cope in a variety of everyday practical situations. You will learn to speak, listen, read and write in your chosen language (French, German or Spanish). You will also learn cultural facts from the country of your target language.

WHY SHOULD I TAKE A GCSE MODERN LANGUAGE COURSE?

Learning another language can be helpful to you whether you are working in Britain or somewhere abroad, whether you are on holiday on the continent or trying to help a foreign visitor. People with language skills are more employable.

USEFUL SKILLS & INTERESTS

• No previous knowledge is required.
• Enthusiasm and diligence.
• Interest in learning the language and culture of the target language.
• Take an active approach in your learning.
• Have a good memory for words and phrases

COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT

During the course you will learn the language for the following themes:

My world:

Self, Family and Friends

Interests and Hobbies

Home and Local Environment

Daily Routine

School and Future Plans

Holiday Time & Travel: 

Travel, Transport and Finding the Way

Tourism

Accommodation

Holiday Activities

Services

Work & Life Style:

Home life

Health living

Part-time Jobs and Work Experience

Leisure

Shopping

The Young Person in Society:

Character and Personal Relationships

The Environment

Education

Careers and Future Plans

Social Issues, Choices and Responsibilities

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

The GCSE courses prepare you to take the AQA examination at the end of a year study. You will be entered for the GCSE full course, and you will be examined in the four skills of Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. Each skill may be taken at Foundation or Higher level. Your teacher will discuss the different possibilities with you and advise you as to what is the best for you.

COURSE COMMITMENT

For your GCSE Foreign Language you will have three and a half hours tuition per week. You will also have work to do outside the class and during you Private Study Periods. Reasonable deadlines for handing in work will be set and must be met. During Private Study Periods you will be able to consolidate recently learned material and spend time learning vocabulary and revising work covered in the class.

COURSE COSTS

All text books and course materials are provided. We advise you to buy a Revision book at £2.00 approximately. The College has exchange partnership with Aix-en-Provence in France, Troisdorf, near Cologne, in Germany and Valladolid in Spain.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

A minimum of grade C in GCSE English Language is required. No previous knowledge in the language is necessary, you can enrol in the course as a beginner, whilst other students may have learnt the language for a year or two previously. Others will have already taken the examination, but wish to improve on their grade.

PROGRESSION ROUTES

You will be able to take an AS course in your target language if you achieve a Grade C at GCSE.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Full course specifications can be found at www.aqa.org.uk

If you require further information please contact Alison Dodds, the Department Manager or Evelyne Gresham for French, Alison Dodds for German or Cristina Verity for Spanish.