Modern Foreign Languages At Ousedale School
| Qualification | GCSE (French, German or Spanish) |
| Examining Board | AQA |
| Syllabus | French - AQA Modular German - AQA Modular Spanish - AQA Modular |
| Head Of Department | Mr T Squires |
| Teachers In Charge | French: Mr T Squires German: Mrs K Dawson Spanish: Mrs C Durney |
Introduction to Course
The value of being able to communicate with people from other countries cannot be overstated; this is why the study of a Modern Language has become part of the National Curriculum, with all students in Years 10 and 11 studying at least one language. Here at Ousedale you can choose one of the two languages you are studying in Year 9 as your GCSE subject, or you can continue with both of them.
Course Content
Whatever the language you study, you will be learning to use it in practical situations, concentrating on the four skills on listening, speaking, reading and writing. The GCSE examinations have a Foundation and Higher level for each of these skills, and during the GCSE course you and your teacher will decide which is the best level for you to take. In addition, you will be able to submit coursework during Years 10 and 11 that will count towards your final grade. Topics covered on the course include Personal and Social Life, The World of Work and The International World.
In the lessons you will get plenty of practice in all the four skills; we use a variety of course books and worksheets as well as audio and video cassettes. Ousedale has exchange links with schools in Spain, France and Germany so you will have the opportunity to visit these countries for further practice.
Course Assessment
- Speaking is tested at both Foundation and Higher level by role-play and general conversation. You will also record Oral Coursework on cassette in both Years 10 and 11.
- The listening tests are based on tapes by native speakers. Candidates show their understanding in true/false and missing words exercises.
- The reading tests use realistic material - brochures, signs, maps, documents etc. Again, candidates show their understanding in true/false and missing words exercises.
- The writing test at both levels involves short items, such as writing a postcard and leaving a message, and longer items, letters to pen-friends, hotels, articles for school magazines. These are written in the foreign language. Written tests are also often set as coursework in Year 11.