In Year 10 there is the opportunity to continue with the study of the Foreign Language already begun in Key Stage 3.

Why learn a language?

• Only 6% of the world’s population speaks English as a mother tongue.
• Over 75% of people in the world speak no English at all.
• Experts reckon we could double our trade in Europe if we overcame language barriers.
• 60% of British trade is with non-English speaking countries.
• Unemployment amongst non language graduates is 5.5%, amongst Modern Language graduates it is 4.3%
• On average people who use languages in their jobs earn 8% more than their non-linguist colleagues.
• Those who have learnt a language will be in an excellent position to compete in the European Labour Market.

The course is either the AQA French G.C.S.E. or the AQA German G.C.S.E. course.

The Course
Each course comprises 4 ‘contexts’ which are studied over two years.

Context 1 is called Lifestyle and includes the following topics:- Health, Relationships and Choices.

Context 2 is called Leisure and includes the following topics:- Free-time and the Media, Holidays.

Context 3 is called Home and Environment and includes the following topics:- Home and Local Area, Environment.

Context 4 is called Work and Education and includes the following topics:- School, College and Future Plans, Current and Future Jobs.

Assessment
The assessment is in the skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. Speaking and Writing are each worth 30% of final grade and are conducted by controlled assessment. Listening and Reading are each worth 20% of the final grade and are assessed through a final examination. Speaking consists of 2 recordings and writing consists of 400-600 words across 2 tasks.

The study of French and/or German to G.C.S.E. will require hard work and commitment. If the pupil already has some links with a French or German speaking country – e.g. pen friends, magazines, e-mail links or if he has been to the country either with family or on a school trip – this will all help. But the study of French and/or German is also an exciting challenge and the ability to communicate in a foreign language is going to be increasingly important in the 21st Century.

During the two year course there will be opportunities for your son to visit the country of the language they are studying.

‘Modern Languages prepare you for Modern Life’ Gary Lineker.

Having a qualification in a foreign language is very important, as the links between Britain and Europe become closer. Having two or more languages puts us on a par with our competitors in Europe.