Modern Languages at Key Stage 4
Our French and German GCSE courses begin in year 9. However, all French and German GCSE formal examinations and controlled assessments will take place during years 10 and 11.
Year 9 will receive regular ongoing assessment in class to monitor progress.
Quick Overview
Pupils studying French only |
Pupils taking French & German |
|
Year 9 |
No formal GCSE examinations Ongoing regular assessment in class |
|
Year 10 |
One controlled assessment in speaking One controlled assessment in writing Mock listening and reading paper in Jul |
One controlled assessment in speaking One controlled assessment in writing Mock listening and reading paper in Jul in each language |
Year 11 |
One controlled assessment in speaking One controlled assessment in writing Mock listening and reading paper in Dec Actual listening and reading paper in Jan Re-take listening and reading paper in May |
One controlled assessment in speaking One controlled assessment in writing Mock listening and reading paper in Dec Actual listening and reading paper in Jan Re-take listening and reading paper in May in each language |
Useful Websites
For ongoing additional support and to help pupils to revise, we have subscribed to these websites:
www.kerboodle.com
Pupils log in using the following details:
Username: this is their we-learn login
Password: password
Organisation code 6055
Pupils should login and change their password as soon as possible under the Settings tab.
www.linguascope.com
Username: polesworth
Password: dordon
If pupils have problems logging in or using either website they should see Miss Marriner in IC1 at lunchtime or after school.
What is the difference between Exams and Controlled Assessment?
Skills |
Tasks |
% of GCSE grade |
Listening & Reading Exams |
These exams take place in the Hall in January & May/June. The exams last between 35 and 50 minutes each. Pupils need to revise the core GCSE vocabulary in advance. |
20% Listening 20% Reading |
Speaking Controlled Assessment |
Pupils have to complete 2 speaking tasks in class. Each task lasts between 4-6 minutes. Pupils prepare for the conversation in advance. They will be asked only one ‘surprise’ question at the end. They may take 40 words in French or English to the exam. They should speak confidently and fluently using as wide a range of vocabulary as possible, opinions and tenses |
30% |
Writing Controlled Assessment |
Pupils have to complete 2 writing tasks in class. They have 60 minutes to complete each test. They should aim to write 200-300 words per task. Pupils prepare for the exam in advance. There are no ‘surprises’. They can have access to a French dictionary. They may take 40 words in French or English to the exam. |
30% |
What are the ‘Contexts’?
Context |
Topics |
|
1 |
1a Lifestyle Healthy eating Well-being Drugs, alcohol & tobacco |
1b Relationships & choices My family Relationships The future Poverty Racism |
2 |
2a Free-time & the media What I do at home Leisure time Money & shopping Fashion New technology |
2b Holidays Holiday destinations Holiday plans What to do on holiday Excursions |
3 |
3a Home & local area Celebrations My house Where I live |
3b Environment Environmental problems My town |
4 |
4a School, college & future plans School School life in France Problems at school |
4b Current & future jobs Work experience & part time jobs Looking for a job Professional life |