Why do languages at GCSE?
Why study a language at GCSE?
Common myths
1. Everyone speaks English: the British don’t need to learn other languages
75% of the world do not speak English
60%+ of British trade is with non-English speaking countries
British business has the poorest language skills in Europe.
British business lose millions of pounds every year because they can’t speak their customers’ language
2. Languages are too difficult: you’ll get better grades in other subjects.
MFL as a whole has more A and B grades at A-level than any other subject.
Spanish has more A grades than any other subject except maths
3. The only jobs for linguists are teaching and translating
Archeological Assistant
Import/Export Agent
Intelligence Expert
International Law
International Banking
Medical Records Clerk
Peace Corps
Philanthropic Foundation
Public Relations Representative
Publishing
Social Worker
Specialty Librarian
Study Abroad/International Education Facilitator
Textbook Sales Representative
Tour Guide
Travel Agent
United Nations Guide
Businessperson in a globally-oriented company
Clergy/Missionary
Community Agent
Consular Assistant
Cultural Advisor
Customs Inspector
Diplomatic Service Agent
FBI Agent
Flight Attendant
Foreign Correspondent
Foreign Service Officer
Genealogical Historian
Historical Period Analyst
Hotel/Resort Management
The course
2 year GCSE course
Exam board – Edexcel
Mocks in year 10 and in January of Year 11
You can mix up the tiers for different skills
The Speaking Exam
2 role-plays – only communication marked
1 prepared conversation
1 non-prepared conversation
8-9 or 11-12 minutes
Conversation questions prepared in class
Course Work
3 pieces
Totalling 250-350 or 500-600 words
1 piece under controlled conditions during mocks
Relate to 3 different topic areas
What we will do for you
Endeavour to make our lessons interesting and fun.
Make sure you have covered all the topics and grammar for the exams.
Set sensible deadlines so you hand everything in on time.
Set you SMART targets.
Mark your work regularly and give you formative feedback.
Let you know of language events in London.
Hold revision sessions.
Provide you with revision material.
Keep you up to date with revision websites.
Organise for you to attend a GCSE conference.
Organise for a French/German theatre group to come into school to perform.
Give you the opportunity to travel to the target language country.
Expose you to a new culture.
Run linguist of term award
What you must do
Be focused and motivated in lessons.
Participate in class.
Always complete homework.
Meet deadlines.
Revise vocabulary and grammar regularly.
Remember your equipment every lesson.
Follow classroom rules.
Be open minded and enthusiastic.
