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Modern Languages
French OCR 1925 25% Listening, 25% Speaking, 25% Reading, 25% Writing
German OCR 1926 25% Listening, 25% Speaking, 25% Reading, 25% Writing
Spanish OCR 1928 25% Listening, 25% Speaking, 25% Reading, 25% Writing
Listening 45 minutes, Speaking 15 minutes, Reading 50 minutes, Writing 60 minutes

We offer THREE Modern Languages - French, German and Spanish. Girls may choose French, German or Spanish as their core language. However, we encourage girls who have a natural aptitude for Languages to continue with both French and German/Spanish as a good preparation for life and work in European society. In particular, girls who may wish to study languages at the more prestigious universities will be greatly advantaged by having two languages at GCSE and A Level.

In each language there are four Units of Assessment: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.

There are papers for Foundation Tier and for Higher Tier. Our candidates will be entered for the Higher Tier in most cases, giving access to grades A* to D.

There are four assessment objectives:
• understand and respond to spoken language
• communicate in speech, showing knowledge of and applying accurately grammar and structures
• understand and respond to written language
• communicate in writing, showing knowledge of and applying accurately grammar and structures

These are weighted equally, each carrying 25% of the marks.
No dictionaries are allowed in the examination.

Aims
The courses are designed to give students opportunities to:

• develop understanding of the spoken and written forms of French/German/Spanish in a range of contexts, including materials from countries and communities where French/German/Spanish is spoken

• develop the ability to communicate effectively in French/German/Spanish through both the spoken and the written word using a range of vocabulary and structures

• develop knowledge and understanding of the grammar of French/German/Spanish and the ability to apply it

• apply their knowledge and understanding in a variety of relevant contexts which reflect their previous learning

• develop knowledge of countries and communities where French/German/Spanish is spoken

• develop positive attitudes to modern foreign language learning

• provide a suitable foundation for further study of French/German/Spanish

Course Content
Candidates will be required to show knowledge of the following five contexts and their sub-contexts.

1. Everyday activities
(a) home life
(b) school life
(c) eating and drinking
(d) health and fitness

2. Personal and social life
(a) the family
(b) free time and entertainment
(c) making appointments
(d) special occasions

3 The world around us
(a) local and other areas
(b) shopping and public services
(c) environment
(d) going places

4 The world of work
(a) jobs and work experience
(b) careers

5 The international world
(a) the media
(b) tourism and holidays
(c) tourist and holiday accommodation

Overseas Trips
Trips to France, Germany and Spain are offered at the end of Lower 5, and we encourage all girls to participate in one of these visits.

Girls stay with host families in Germany and Spain, or in a hostel in France and a variety of interesting excursions are arranged. These trips give girls the opportunity to practise the skills required for GCSE, and gain first-hand experience of the culture of France, Germany or Spain.