- Curriculum
-
GCSE
- Art and Design
- Business Studies GCSE
- CIDA
- Core Physical Education
- Design and Technology GCSE
- Drama GCSE
- Engineering GCSE
- English Language and Literature
- Food & Nutrition - GCSE
- French or Spanish
- Geography
- Health and Social Care National Award
- History
- IMedia
- Mathematics
- Media
- Music GCSE
- Physical Education & Sport
- PSHE and Careers
- Science GCSE
- Social & Religious Studies
- SAIL
- Years 7-9
French or Spanish
The GCSE course aims to build on what students have already studied at Key Stage 3.
The specifications include the study of the following themes:
Theme 1: Identity and culture
- Topic 1: Me, my family and friends
- Topic 2: Technology in everyday life
- Topic 3: Free-time activities
- Topic 4: Customs and festivals in French-speaking or Spanish-speaking countries/communities
Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest:
- Topic 1: Home, town, neighbourhood and region
- Topic 2: Social issues
- Topic 3: Global issues
- 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
Assessment
GCSE French and Spanish have a Foundation Tier (grades 1–5) and a Higher Tier (grades 4–9).
Students must take all four question papers at the same tier. Each paper is worth 25% of GCSE.
Paper 1: Listening
Listening is by examination and includes questions that must be answered in English, in the target language or non-verbally.
Paper 2: Speaking
Speaking is conducted by the teacher and includes a role-play, a discussion on a photo card and a general conversation.
Paper 3: Reading
Reading is by examination and includes questions that must be answered in English, in the target language or non-verbally, as well as a translation from the target language to English.
Paper 4: Writing
Writing is by examination and includes writing a short passage, a structured writing task and a translation from English to the target language.
Progression
Success in languages at GCSE allows students to progress on to Sixth Form A level courses. Language A levels combine very well with many other subjects (e.g. business studies, geography, English, history…) and is highly regarded by universities and employers.
Start Date
July 2019
Exam Board
AQA
Location
Northallerton School & Sixth Form College
Course Level
GCSE