Modern Languages
GCSE French/German/Spanish (AQA)

Course Description

At Brookfield, our objective is to enable students of all abilities to develop their foreign language skills to their full potential, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to confidently communicate with others. We are passionate about the benefits that learning a language can bring and as such, we strongly believe in languages as a skill for life and something students should enjoy and find rewarding.

This is why, at GCSE, students will be expanding their cultural knowledge, tolerance and awareness, whilst developing their language skills in a variety of contexts to build a solid base of vocabulary and grammar.

Although all four GCSE exams are at the end of the course, every student will be formally assessed on a termly basis in the four skills of Speaking, Writing, Listening and Reading. These assessments will be carried out at the end of each term and will allow the students to experience what the “real” GCSE exams are like and will allow them and their teachers to know what their strengths and weaknesses are, so that together they can design a thorough revision and intervention plan.

Assessment Weighting

Terminal Examinations: 
Speaking 25%
Writing 25%
Listening 25%
Reading 25%

Programme of Study

Theme 1 Identity & Culture

• Me, my family, friends & my relationships
• Technology in everyday life (mobile/ social media)
• Free Time activities (sport, tv/cinema/music/eating out)
• Customs & festivals in French/German/Spanish speaking countries

Theme 2 Local, National, International and Global Areas of Interest

• Home town, neighbourhood, region
• Social issues (charity & voluntary work, healthy & unhealthy living)
• Global issues (environment, poverty)
• Travel & tourism

Theme 3 Current and Future Study and Employment

• My studies (life at school/college)
• Education post 16
• Career choice & ambitions

Essential Resources and Equipment

• Pencil case including green pens, a set of highlighters and a glue stick
• A4 exercise book
• Brookfield MFL Course Booklet – free of charge
• **GCSE Reading and Listening practice workbook (purchased in September of Year 10)
• **GCSE Writing and Grammar practise workbook (purchased in September of Year 10)
  

** The combined cost of these items is about £8 for the two years and are available from the school shop. Please speak to Mr Clements or Mr Palmer if you are unable to meet this cost.

Recommended Resources

• Bilingual dictionary – preferably containing a grammar section.

Home Learning

• Students will be set weekly homework which should last approximately 1 hour every week. Homework will develop the wide variety of skills needed to pass the course.
• Vocabulary learning (approximately 20 to 30 words) will also be set every fortnight and will be tested in class to make sure students are keeping on top of their learning and are able to access the highest grades.

Careers and Further Educational Opportunities

Given the current political climate in the UK, there has never been a time in recent history when the ability to speak a foreign language has been more important. This is reflected in the number of people taking up the learning of a foreign language. Contrary to popular belief, languages do not limit students to careers in translating, interpreting, education or tourism industries.

• Finance: banks, insurance companies and accountancy firms operate internationally.
• Imports/Exports: sourcing products from around the world and negotiating with suppliers.
• Law: many of the commercial firms in London have offices in other European capitals.
• Sales and Marketing: global companies and organisations such as the UN, EU, Greenpeace, Doctors without Borders, Coca-Cola European Partners and the Diplomatic Service are all employers of languages graduates.
• Armed Forces: in 2014 the army announced that it would be compulsory for recruits to speak/learn a foreign language.
• Receiving a good grade at GCSE MFL is a unique selling point for all college and university applications. Some universities insist on students having a GCSE in a foreign language as it says much about the resilience, open-mindedness and calibre of the candidates, as well as making them significantly more employable in the future.
  

PLEASE NOTE: Students who have not learnt French/German/Spanish in Year 9 will need prior consultation with the Languages Learning Leader before they are allowed to join a GCSE class in that language.

Enquiries:

Mr Clements – Learning Leader: Languages
Email:  a.clements@brookfield.hants.sch.uk

Mr Barrett – Deputy Learning Leader: Languages
Email:  m.barrett@brookfield.hants.sch.uk