We readily encourage those students who speak another language at home to take it as one of their GCSE options. Excellent communication skills, brilliant listening skills, grit and determination, as well as an exceptional ability to perform well under pressure, are only but a few of the benefits of speaking another language …and a GCSE showing all of that will make you really stand out!
Languages are valued by employers and are particularly sought after in fields such as journalism and media, law, engineering, business and marketing, sport and leisure, travel and tourism, civil service, banking and teaching (UK and abroad).
Students normally take the exams in the summer of Year Ten, prior to their other GCSEs, and they generally perform very well. Our most recent cohort, for example, were all awarded Grade 7s, 8s and 9s! For most, it is not something that requires a lot of preparation or revision since it comes naturally; however, we do encourage students to attempt some practice papers, as well as accessing the mark schemes, so that they know what is expected of them.
If you are thinking about taking a GCSE in another language, think about the following:
Is the GCSE available?
A quick Google search will normally enable you to find out which exam board, if any, offers the language as a GCSE qualification. Languages that we have offered in the past are listed below; take a look at the specifications and sample exam papers!
Are you able to speak, listen, read and write in the language?
The GCSE qualification in a language is made up of four exam papers (speaking, listening, reading and writing). Often, students are extremely confident in their speaking, listening and reading skills, but writing in the language can be something that they may need to work on before the exam. Have a go at some practice papers to see how you get on. Speak to Miss Dickens, Co-ordinator of Home Languages, about how to get hold of these.
Being able to speak another language is something that should be celebrated; take the GCSE to prove just how talented you are!