KS4 COURSE OVERVIEW

CURRICULUM LEADER: MRS N GRIERSON

 

 

As a Specialist Language College we are fortunate to be able to provide a Key Stage 4 curriculum in which ALL students study TWO Modern Foreign Languages to an accredited level. (except those following the Work Related programme).     

 

 

FIRST MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGE (FRENCH OR GERMAN)

AQA GCSE FRENCH (Full Course)                             AQA GCSE GERMAN (Full Course)

All students shall continue to study their first Modern Foreign Language (French or German).

Students will learn to cope with a variety of situations that may arise whilst visiting a French or German speaking country, or hosting a French- or German-speaking visitor at home. They will learn to exchange information, give full descriptions and accounts, discuss issues and give opinions and cope with a degree of unpredictability. The four skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing are developed through the study of four themes, which are sub-divided into a number of different topics:

 

• My World
• Holiday Time and Travel
• Work and Lifestyle
• The Young Person in Society

 

Assessment is by end-of-course examination, where there are two tiers of entry (Foundation and Higher) for each of the three skills - Listening, Speaking and Reading. Written skills are assessed by means of a small number of short Coursework assignments completed over the course. Each Paper, including Coursework, is worth 25% of the total mark. Students will sit examinations in the skills and at the tier for which they are best suited, thus allowing them to make the most of their strengths. The Speaking Test will be conducted by the student's French or German teacher, recorded and sent off for assessment by an external examiner.

The emphasis of the course is on practical communication, and students only learn French or German that may be used for real purposes. The courses provide a sound base for the skills and language required for work, leisure and, where appropriate, further study in the language. A number of students will also have the opportunity to participate in an exchange visit in the appropriate country. All students will work in the interactive ICT suite and will be able to further develop their speaking and listening skills by working with a native Foreign Language Assistant.

  

SECOND MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGE (SPANISH)

In addition, ALL students will continue to study Spanish as a second Modern Foreign Language (except those following the Work Related Learning programme).

As links with the Spanish-speaking world have strengthened dramatically in recent years through business and tourism, Spanish has become the fastest growing language of study in UK schools. The native tongue of over 375 million people in over twenty countries, Spanish will no doubt continue to flourish as we become ever more conscious of the importance of this exciting language.

Students may choose either of the following two options:

AQA GCSE SPANISH (Full Course)

By selecting Spanish as one of their three Option subjects, students may gain a full GCSE qualification in this language. This means that they will be part of a very small number of students nationally who will leave school with a full GCSE qualification in two major Modern Foreign Languages.

The course content is the same as that outlined for GCSE French and German above. All students will spend time working with our native Foreign Language Assistant, and many will have the opportunity to take part in an exchange visit to Spain.

 

AQA GCSE SPANISH (Short Course)

or ABC PRACTICAL LANGUAGES CERTIFICATE IN SPANISH

Students who do not wish to select Spanish as one of their three Option subjects will nonetheless continue to study the language for one lesson each week. They shall follow a course leading to accreditation through either:

 

1.   GCSE Spanish (Short Course)

This is equivalent to half a GCSE. The course comprises two of the four themes covered in the full course award, and is assessed in the same way. Details are given in the entry for French and German above.

 

2.  ABC Practical Languages Certificate in Spanish

For some students, a vocationally-based course in Spanish may be more appropriate. This will focus on the language of the world of work. The course will be accredited by an Entry Level award through the ABC Practical Languages scheme.