Key Stage 4
GCSE French / GCSE Spanish
GCSE French and GCSE Spanish are two-year courses, assessed externally at the end of Year 11. Both courses cover six thematic contexts: my personal world, lifestyle and wellbeing, my neighbourhood, media and technology, studying and my future, and travel and tourism.
Studying a language at GCSE offers numerous benefits:
- French enhances cultural awareness by exposing students to the rich history and traditions of French-speaking countries, and Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, opening doors to diverse cultures and countless opportunities.
- Proficiency in French or Spanish can open diverse career opportunities in the global job market, as many international companies value multilingual employees.
- Studying a foreign language improves cognitive skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and memory, which can boost overall academic performance.
- Learning a new language fosters personal growth, building confidence, resilience, and a sense of achievement.
Choosing French or Spanish at GCSE is not just about learning a language; it’s about gaining valuable life skills that enrich personal and professional growth.
Subject Contact: Mrs S. Barratt – sbr@sjcs.org.uk
Exam board: Edexcel
How this course is assessed
1. Speaking (Paper 1 – 25% of the qualification)
Task 1: Read aloud and short interaction.
Task 2: Role play.
Task 3: Picture task with conversation.
2. Listening and Understanding (Paper 2 – 25% of the qualification)
Section A: Listening (40 marks).
Section B: Dictation (10 marks).
3. Reading and Understanding (Paper 3 – 25% of the qualification)
Section A: Reading and Understanding
Section B: Translation into English
4. Writing (Paper 4 – 25% of the qualification)
Foundation Tier: Picture-based task, two open-response questions, and translation into French/Spanish.
Higher Tier: Two open-response questions and translation into French/Spanish.
Your Learning Journey
POST-16 ACADEMIC
A Level French
A Level Spanish
POST-16 EMPLOYMENT
International Business
Tourism and Hospitality
Education
Government and Diplomacy
Media and Journalism
Translation
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Key Stage 4 Subjects
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