Introduction
This is a two year course which offers opportunities to build on the language skills and capabilities already developed through the delivery of Key Stage 3.
Course Content
Each subject is divided into three contexts with associated topics:
| Context 1:
Identity, Lifestyle & Culture. |
· Myself, my family, relationships and choices e.g. family and friends.
· Social media and new technology e.g. online communications, computers, tablets and smartphones. · Free time, leisure and daily routine e.g. sports, hobbies, cinema, TV, music, dance, fashion, eating out, shopping, at home, at school and at the weekend. · Culture, customs, festivals and celebrations e.g. Easter, Christmas, birthdays, cultural activities and events, national holidays, celebrations and cuisine. |
| Context 2:
Local, National, International & Global Areas of Interest.
|
· My local area and the wider environment e.g. home, neighbourhood, town or city, places to visit, region and country.
· Community involvement e.g. charity and voluntary work. · Social and global issues e.g. health, lifestyle, anti‐social behaviour, caring for others and caring for the environment. · Travel and tourism e.g. holidays, destinations, transport, tourist information, weather, directions, accommodation, activities, shopping and eating out. |
| Context 3:
School Life, Studies and the World of Work. |
· My studies and school life e.g. school subjects, uniform, timetable, rules and regulations.
· Extra‐curricular activities e.g. clubs, societies, events, trips and visits. · Part‐time jobs and money management e.g. evening work, weekend work and work experience. · Future plans and career e.g. Post‐16 education, further studies, employment, aspirations and choices. |
Method of Assessment
| Unit 1: Listening 25% External written examination with stimulus material in target language (2 tiers of entry) | Unit 2: Speaking 25% One teacher facilitated and externally marked speaking examination (1 tier of entry) |
| Unit 3: Reading 25% External written examination with stimulus material in target language (2 tiers of entry) | Unit 4: Writing 25% External written examination (2 tiers of entry) |
Career Opportunities
Studying Modern Languages will give you excellent and varied career opportunities and life-long skills. Language skills are essential in almost any job. Studying a language clearly makes you a communicator, both orally and in writing. Having a GCSE in a Modern Foreign Language opens up a world of possibilities for your future! Many employers, colleges and universities regard a GCSE in a Modern Foreign Language as highly desirable. Many university courses also offer students the opportunity to live abroad for a period of their course, even if it is not a Modern Languages course. Although there are many jobs which are specifically linked to languages, studying a Modern Foreign Language will equip you with vital communication skills, essential for all careers, especially as the UK moves closer to Europe in terms of business relations.
| Translator or interpreter | Television Presenter |
| Teacher | HM Custom & Excise Officer |
| Lawyer | Immigration Officer |
| Journalist | Pilot |
| Librarian | Art / Antiques Dealer |
| Accountant | Tourist Guide Cabin crew |
| Hotel Manager / Receptionist | Marketing Executive |
| Research Scientist | MP/MEP/Politician |
| Chef | Journalist/Media |
| Bi-lingual secretary | Travel Agent |