Languages Faculty
- French & German GCSE
- Welsh - Second Language - Short Course
- Welsh (Second Language) (Full Course GCSE)
French & German GCSE
What is the Course about?
The structure of the French and German GCSE modern language courses is the same.
These two year courses cover various theme areas which build on topics already covered in Key Stage 3 eg school, home, food etc. These theme areas deal with practical communication in the foreign language and also cover a number of topical issues.
The two skills of Speaking and Writing are worth 30% each. Listening and Reading are worth 20% each.
There are 2 tiers of examination – Higher (covering grades A*-E) and Foundation (covering grades C – G). The appropriate tier of examination in each skill will be decided in Year 11.
If I do languages, what else goes with them?
A modern language nowadays can be combined with almost any subject, both at school and at university level. Previous 'unlikely' combinations in Higher Education, such as Physics & French, Chemistry & German, are relatively common.
What good is a foreign language?
Language specific careers exist, eg interpreter, translator etc., but the ability to speak or write one or more foreign languages is a useful skill for almost any career - from lorry driver to international executive. Just think how many foreign-owned firms there are in South Wales!
Welsh - Second Language - Short Course.
This compulsory course is equivalent to half a GCSE. Pupils will study two modules.
Assessment
External assessment: 50% - Reading/Writing paper
Coursework: 50% - Oral/Writing tasks
Pupils will be entered for the Foundation Tier, grades C – G.
This course gives pupils an opportunity to experience a basic Welsh course.
APPLIED WELSH – GCSE (FULL COURSE)
This brand new course is specifically geared towards meeting the requirements of employers who have consistently re-iterated the benefits of bilingualism in Wales today. The focus, therefore, will be on the practical use of Welsh in the workplace, an awareness of Welsh outside Wales, issues in Wales and preparing for the future. It is perceived as a qualification which is both relevant and important for those seeking employment.
All pupils will study 4 modules and flexibility in the new syllabus will allow completion of modules in Year 10, if appropriate. It would also ease the pressure often felt in Year 11.
Assessment
External assessment:- 40% - Reading, Writing, Oral
Coursework:- 60% - Reading, Writing, Oral tasks
How will a qualification in Welsh help me?
Opportunities for those with a Welsh qualification will increase now that the implications of the Welsh Language Act are becoming clear. Already national and state organisations are seeking candidates who are bilingual or who have a working knowledge of Welsh. Local government in all parts of Wales has an obligation to provide a service in Welsh as well as English and staff are needed to fulfill that role. The media frequently values journalists who can report in Welsh and theatre companies are becoming involved in bilingual productions. Schools, particularly the primary sector, will need to recruit Welsh speaking staff since the study of Welsh is now compulsory until the age of 16. With the National Assembly for Wales, staff with varying degrees of proficiency in Welsh are required - from senior staff to answering the phone! Banks and Building Societies are currently paying staff to attend Welsh lessons, thus underlying the importance they are giving to the increased demand for services by the Welsh speaking customers. Tourism is another area where a public body is calling for greater use of the language to emphasise the distinctive nature of Wales as a marketing tool.