French, German and Spanish
We hope that you will find the study of modern foreign languages both challenging and stimulating, a valuable skill for your future, whether at work or in your leisure.
The language you learn will vary according to your ability and to the knowledge you have already acquired, but it will be drawn from five essential areas: everyday activities, personal and social life, the world around us, the world of work and the international world.
In the GCSE the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing are assessed separately, but almost wholly in the target language (French, German or Spanish). You choose individually the appropriate level of examination, Foundation or Higher, in each skill. We expect the majority of you to take the Higher tier throughout. However, some may take the Higher tier in some skills and the Foundation tier in others, some may take the Foundation tier in all skills. If you only take the Foundation tier you will be limited to grade C. It is not essential to take the Higher tier in everything to gain an A grade but it is strongly advised. Your writing and speaking will be assessed through Controlled Assessment, but there is a written paper alternative. Dictionaries are no longer permitted in modern language examinations (with the exception of Controlled Assessment), so the need to develop a wide vocabulary is very important.
The skill of being able to speak and understand a foreign language confidently and effectively has never been more important than it is in the European context of today. The syllabuses that we use in the Lower School are admirably suited to developing that skill. In addition, we hope to develop your awareness of the nature of language and knowledge of European cultures, and to lay the firmest foundations for further study of foreign languages if you choose to carry on to AS or A-level.