Languages
Curriculum Aims
We aim for every boy to:
- be able to understand basic spoken communication in the target language;
- be able to respond to pre-prepared questions in the target language;
- be able to understand grammatical concepts;
- be able to understand the differences between the target language country and England;
- know about specific traditions and customs in the target language country;
- be offered the opportunity to engage with the subject outside the classroom.
Curriculum Information
Qualifications
Students study AQA GCSE German or Spanish. Each are a linear course which are assessed by 4 examination papers all taken at the end of the course.
Each of the four skills are tested; listening, reading, writing and speaking.
Students are taught how to skim and scan texts, listen for detail and to respond in writing and speech in the target language. Alongside this we teach students memorisation and recall techniques.
Summary of Assessment
Each of the four papers is equally weighted, each being worth 25% of the total GCSE grade.
The speaking test is the first to be tested prior to the main exam season in April or May.
Following this, reading and listening papers are taken on one day, with the writing paper scheduled on another day. All papers contain a mixture of short, single mark questions as well as longer questions on each of the three themes and sub themes.
Themes
The specification covers three distinct themes. These themes apply to all four question papers. Students are expected to understand and provide information and opinions about these themes relating to their own experiences and those of other people, including people in countries/communities where the language is spoken.
Theme 1: Identity and culture covers the following four topics with related sub-topics shown as bullet points:
Topic 1: Me, my family and friends
- Relationships with family and friends
- Marriage/partnership
Topic 2: Technology in everyday life
- Social media Mobile technology
Topic 3: Free-time activities
- Music
- Cinema and TV
- Food and eating out
- Sport
Topic 4: Customs and festivals in target language country/ communities
Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest covers the following four topics with related sub-topics shown as bullet points:
Topic 1: Home, town, neighbourhood and region
Topic 2: Social issues
- Charity/voluntary work
- Healthy/unhealthy living
Topic 3: Global issues
- The environment
- Poverty/homelessness
Topic 4: Travel and tourism
Theme 3: Current and future study and employment covers the following four topics:
Topic 1: My studies
Topic 2: Life at school/college
Topic 3: Education post-16
Topic 4: Jobs, career choices and ambitions
Where can I find more details?
Additional Information
The languages department offers a number of local trips and trips abroad which are advertised via the school website.
Subject Guides for Parents and Carers
Languages during Years 7, 8 and 9
German during Years 10 and 11
