Teaching Staff: Miss K Davie, Ms C Rose
AQA Syllabus Code 4655
French
In September 2011 GCSE French course will be offered to pupils. Assessment will be modular, that is, spread out over the year. This course is only available to pupils in Year 10 and 11.
The course specification is as follows:
Unit 1 Listening
Examination worth 20%
Foundation Tier (C-G) up to 35 minutes Higher Tier (A*-D) up to 45 minutes
A range of question types based on pre-recorded spoken material in French
Unit 2 Reading
Examination worth 20%
Foundation Tier 30 minutes Higher Tier 50 minutes
A range of question types based on written material in French
Unit 3 Speaking
Internally-assessed work 30%
Pupils submit two tasks for moderation
Unit 4 Writing
Internally-assessed work 30%
Pupils submit two tasks for marking
Topics covered are:
- Lifestyle (Health, Relationships and choices)
- Leisure (Free Time and the Media, Holidays)
- Home and Environment (Home and Local Area, Environment)
- Work and Education (School/College and Future Plans, Current and Future Jobs)
Regarding resources, we use textbooks and tapes, but also make use of the Internet eg for up-to-date information on films, television programmes or the latest craze. Pupils may get the opportunity to visit France and try out their pronunciation on a native speaker!
Dictionaries are allowed for coursework and during lessons, but not in the examination room itself. We encourage pupils to buy a dictionary, and recommend the ‘Collins Easy Learning’ edition, which is specifically geared towards coverage of language needed for GCSE, and can be ordered from us in school. Owning a dictionary gives pupils more responsibility for their own learning and helps a great deal with homework!
10 reasons to learn a different language
1. To increase global understanding.
2. To improve employment potential.
3. To increase native language ability.
4. To sharpen cognitive and life skills.
5. To improve chances of entry into college or university.
6. To appreciate international literature, music, and film.
7. To make travel more feasible and enjoyable.
8. To expand study abroad options.
9. To increase understanding of oneself and of one’s own culture.
10. To make lifelong friends.
Should you have any problems or queries, please do not hesitate to discuss matters with Miss Davie in school.
WHY MFL?
‘Modern Languages prepare you for modern life.’ Gary Lineker, television presenter and exfootballer.
‘Learning a language makes our minds stronger and more flexible. Actually using it gives us an entirely new experience of the world.’ John Cleese, Actor.
‘Learning another language is part of making the civilised world go around, so start early.' Sir Peter Parker, Chair, DTI National Languages for Export Campaign.
‘It is arrogant to assume that we can get by in English or that everyone will speak our language. Learning a foreign language is polite, demonstrates commitment – and in today’s world is absolutely necessary.' Sir Trevor McDonald, Chair, Nuffield Languages Enquiry. ‘You live a new life for every new language you speak. If you only know one language, you live only once.’ (Czech proverb)
Travel
Many English speakers seem to believe that wherever you go on holiday you can get by speaking English, so there's no point in learning any other languages. If people don't understand you all you have to do is speak slowly and turn up the volume. You can more or less get away with this, as long as you stick to popular tourist resorts and hotels where you can usually find someone who speaks English. However, if you want to venture beyond such places, to get to know the locals, to read signs, menus, etc, knowing the local language is necessary. A basic ability in a foreign language will help you to 'get by', i.e. to order food and drink, find your way around, buy tickets, etc. If you have a more advanced knowledge of the language, you can have real conversations with the people you meet, which can be very interesting and will add a new dimension to your holiday.
Work
If your work should involve regular contact with speakers of foreign languages, being able to talk to them in their own language will help you to communicate with them. It may also help you to make sales and to negotiate and secure contracts. Knowledge of foreign languages may also increase your chances of finding a new job, getting a promotion or a transfer overseas, or of going on foreign business trips. Many English-speaking business people don't bother to learn other languages because they believe that most of the people they do business with in foreign countries can speak English, and if they don't speak English, interpreters can be used. The lack of foreign language knowledge puts the English speakers at a disadvantage. In meetings for example, the people on the other side can discuss things amongst themselves in their own language without the English speakers understanding, and using interpreters slows everything down. In any socialising after the meetings, the locals will probably feel more comfortable using their own language rather than English.
View our examination structure
