What Will I Study?

We follow the AQA GCSE French / Spanish course.

Student can opt to study either GCSE French or Spanish in Years 9 –11. In Year 9 the curriculum builds on the skills developed in KS2 / KS3 and revisits some topics in greater detail whilst also introducing new topic and linguistic concepts. The focus is on GCSE Theme 1 – Identity and Culture and further developing metacognitive approaches so that learners understand how building on and embedding prior knowledge is key to success.

Students continue to study either GCSE French or Spanish. In Year 10 the curriculum focus is on spontaneity and independence so as to achieve our aim of creating independent life-long learners. All three GCSE themes are interleaved and prior knowledge is integral to any new vocab areas or linguistic concepts. Students are prepared for what GCSE success looks like – both at their target grade and beyond.

Students continue to study either GCSE French or Spanish. In Year 11 the curriculum focus continues to revisit prior knowledge and skills but with a systematic emphasis on how to apply these to exam specific tasks so that they achieve excellent results in valued GCSE qualifications. Mixed ability teaching in KS4 allows students to develop beyond their target grades before decisions are made about tiering (towards end of Y11).

How Will I Be Assessed?

What methods will be used to assess work, when are key assessment points? etc.

In Y9 and Y10 there are fours key assessment points which are aligned with our learning cycles. This includes a full mock at the end of Year 10. Key Assessments comprise listening and reading exam questions, and a mixture of writing assessments to include translation and 40/90/150 word writing questions. Speaking assessments alternate between Roleplay / Photo Card and General Conversation questions.

In Y11 assessment focuses on continuous rigorous assessment of ALL Skills – Listening / Reading / Speaking / Writing and mirror GCSE exam papers (or parts of papers). These are identified through question level analysis of key assessments and mocks.

There are two Speaking Mocks (December and March) and 3 x Reading, Listening, Writing Mocks in Exam Conditions. (November / January / March).

Other Languages Experiences

“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.” ‒Nelson Mandela

Immersing our students in language and culture enriches their knowledge not only of their chosen language but also of the world around them. Our curriculum covers cultural topics such as Festivals and Customs in France / Spain, Debates on controversial issues (Bullfighting / La Voile) and a Y9 Challenge Week trip to Brittany (Isle de Batz / Morlaix)

At GCSE we have debates on environmental impact of tourism, the pros and cons of differing school systems and ensure students can talk about a range of Social issues including the role of charities and volunteering and Homelessness and Poverty in both the UK and French and Spanish speaking countries.