Modern Foreign Languages: Key Stage 4

Qualification: GCSE

Exam Board: AQA

What will I study?

Students will develop their ability to communicate and express their ideas spontaneously, based on grammatical and linguistic structures. Students will deepen their knowledge about how language works and enrich their vocabulary in order for them to increase their independent use. They will acquire the skills required to understand and respond to authentic materials, including literary texts. Students will develop an awareness and understanding of the culture and identity of the countries and communities where French is spoken. Also, they will develop language learning skills both for immediate use and to prepare them for further language study. The themes studied are as follows:

Theme 1: Identity and culture

Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest

Theme 3: Current and future study and employment

How is this course assessed?

In the form of final exams at either foundation or higher tier for all the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing at the end of the GCSE course. Each skill is worth 25%.

What can this qualification lead to?

A language GCSE can lead to further study at A level and degree level, opening up work opportunities globally. It can also be of relevance in the UK where employers want people who can speak other languages, in fields such as tourism and retail, computing, customer services, engineering, finance, marketing and the media.