Choosing your programme for the Middle Years 2025

Modern Foreign Languages: French, German, Spanish

WHAT WILL YOU STUDY IN THIS COURSE

Each course will train and enable you to communicate in and understand the foreign language in both speech and writing, as well as learn about the culture and society of the countries in which the language is spoken. The courses all cover the following overarching themes, and introduce you to language associated with them in a vibrant and relevant way: • Theme 1: People and lifestyle • Theme 2: Popular culture • Theme 3: Communication and the world around us

WHAT SKILLS WILL YOU DEVELOP

The AQA GCSE courses develop the ability to use the language effectively and confidently through a variety of skills: reading, learning vocabulary, writing, translation, building grammar knowledge, listening and – of course – speaking.

HOW WILL PROGRESS BE ASSESSED

There are four papers, each worth 25% of the overall marks: a listening test which includes a dictation; a speaking test; a reading test which includes written material from various media, and translation from the foreign language into English; and a continuous writing test which includes a translation passage from English into the foreign language.

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE

Everyone benefits enormously from studying other languages and cultures, and it is compulsory for all pupils at St Edward’s to take at least one Modern Foreign Language at GCSE.

GUIDANCE FOR FLUENT SPEAKERS OF FRENCH, GERMAN OR SPANISH:

If you speak one of our main GCSE languages fluently, you should take one of the other languages to GCSE. You may still be able to take your own language to GCSE outside the timetable as an additional subject. Equally, if you are fluent in Italian, Russian or Mandarin, arrangements can be made for you to be prepared for GCSE as an additional subject in that language. In either case, please contact the Head of MFL (Mrs Davies) if you would like to explore this possibility. M astering a language other than your own is a huge asset in the modern, globalised world. Whether you plan to study languages in the Sixth Form or at university, or just enjoy the ability to communicate with people from other countries and cultures, a GCSE in a modern language will help improve your critical thinking skills, broaden your cultural horizons and ultimately make you more employable. It is entirely possible to take two modern languages to GCSE.

WHERE COULD THIS COURSE LEAD

You can choose a second Modern Foreign Language in your optional GCSE choices.

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