Monday 06 February 2012

GCSE Modern Foreign Languages

Who is it for?
FCSE fills a gap. It has been established for pupils who have learnt a Modern Foreign Language up to the end of Key Stage 3, but for whom the GCSE course is too demanding.   Until now, they have had nothing to show for 3 (or more) years of language learning.

What do they learn?
There is no prescribed content or vocabulary, allowing teachers flexibility to select areas which are appropriate to their students.

Twelve units are arranged in four themes, corresponding to current GCSE themes:

Theme 1 My World
Unit 1 - Meeting People
Unit 2 - Home Life
Unit 3 - Education and Future Plans

Theme 2 Holidays and Leisure
Unit 4 – Holidays
Unit 5 – Travel and Accommodation
Unit 6 – Leisure

Theme 3 Lifestyle
Unit 7 - Celebrations
Unit 8 – Health and Fitness
Unit 9 – Food and Drink

Theme 4 The Young Person in Society
Unit 10 – Religion and Environment
Unit 11 - Media
Unit 12 – Work and Choices

FCSE includes all four language skills:
                                        Listening
                                        Speaking
                                        Reading
                                        Writing

How pupils are assessed?
There are externally-set, centre-assessed assignments in Listening and Reading. We set and mark the Speaking and Writing assignments.

At the end of the course pupils submit a portfolio of work containing evidence of the above assignments.

There are three levels of award:
                                       Pass
                                       Merit
                                       Distinction
These cover National Curriculum Levels 4, 5 and 6.

Versatile, flexible and manageable

Pupils attempt an assignment when a topic has been covered, at different stages in the course, and can re-take if required.

Practice assignments are available.


GCSE FRENCH 2009 – 2011

A brief introduction to the GCSE French Course

In S10 and S11, pupils will continue to develop their language skills and will become increasingly aware of the structure of the language.  Through the four skills of Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing, they will improve their understanding and their ability to communicate.

The themes and topics below will form the core curriculum:

My World                                self, family and friends
                                               interests and hobbies
                                               home and local environment
                                               daily routine
                                               school and future plans

Holiday Time and Travel      travel, transport and finding the way
                                               tourism
                                               accommodation
                                               holiday activities
                                               services

Work and Lifestyle               home life
                                               healthy living
                                               part-time jobs and work experience
                                               leisure and shopping

The Young Person in Society
                                               character and personal relationships
                                               the environment
                                               education
                                               career and future plans
                                               social issues, choices and responsibilities

In determining the final grade, 30% of marks are awarded for Speaking and 30% for Writing while Listening and Reading are each worth 20%.

Writing is submitted in the form of  2 short pieces of coursework, each prepared in class and done under controlled conditions towards the end of  S10 and in S11.

The French GCSE course at Westbourne aims to encourage enthusiasm and confidence and to be constantly aware of the real purpose of learning any Modern Foreign Language – namely to communicate!

We aim to develop understanding of spoken and written French in a number of contexts and using a variety of media.

We aim to develop knowledge and understanding of countries and communities where French is spoken.

We aim to provide a suitable foundation for practical use and further study of the language.

GCSE SPANISH 2009 – 2011

A brief introduction to the GCSE Spanish Course
 
In S10 and S11, pupils will continue to develop their language skills and will become increasingly aware of the structure of the language.  Through the four skills of Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing, they will improve their understanding and their ability to communicate.
 
The themes and topics below will form the core curriculum:
 
My World                                          self, family and friends
                                                          interests and hobbies
                                                          home and local environment
                                                          daily routine
                                                          school and future plans
 
Holiday Time and Travel                 travel, transport and finding the way
                                                          tourism
                                                          accommodation
                                                          holiday activities
                                                          services
 
Work and Lifestyle                           home life
                                                           healthy living
                                                           part-time jobs and work experience
                                                           leisure and shopping
 
The Young Person in
Society                                               character and personal relationships
                                                            the environment
                                                            education
                                                            career and future plans
                                                            social issues, choices and responsibilities
 
In determining the final grade, 30% of marks are awarded for Speaking and 30% for Writing while Listening and Reading are each worth 20%.
Writing is submitted in the form of 2 short pieces of coursework, each prepared in class and done under controlled conditions towards the end of S10 and in S11.
 
The Spanish GCSE course at Westbourne aims to encourage enthusiasm and confidence and to be constantly aware of the real purpose of learning any Modern Foreign Language – namely to communicate!
 
We aim to develop understanding of spoken and written Spanish in a number of contexts and using a variety of media.
 
We aim to develop knowledge and understanding of countries and communities where Spanish is spoken.
 
We aim to provide a suitable foundation for practical use and further study of the language.