GSCE German

What to expect in the next two years

Topics to be covered as part of the Edexcel full course

• Media and culture (for example, music, cinema, fashion etc)

• Sport and leisure (hobbies, sporting events, lifestyle choices etc)

• Travel and tourism (holidays, accommodation, food and drink etc)

• Business, work and employment (work experience, part-time jobs etc)

How will your child be assessed?

• Four ways of assessment

Listening 20% (Unit 1)Speaking 30%(Unit 2) controlled assessmentsReading 20% (Unit 3)Writing 30% (Unit 4) controlled assessments

Listening Exam

• Worth 20%• 25 mins (foundation) 35 mins (higher)• You hear everything TWICE• NO DICTIONARIES• All questions in English• Crossover questions

Speaking Assessment

• Structured conversation on one of the four topic areas (4-6 mins)

• Done at different times and on different topics• Limited notes can be used• Pick the best two to be submitted.• Examined by and marked by teacher

How we prepare for the speaking

• Study topic for a number of weeks before exam• Prepare homeworks on the topic• Two weeks before the exam, pupils get the

“brief”• They will be asked questions on the topic.

Reading Exam

• Worth 20%• 35 mins (foundation) 50 mins (higher)• You read the texts and information• NO DICTIONARIES• All questions in English• Crossover questions

Written Assessment • Write a letter / article / interview on a topic• Each will be written in ONE 60 minute session• For a C and above, your work must contain at least 200

words• You’ll be given the title and instructions 2 weeks before the

write-up session but will have studied the topic for some weeks prior to this

• You can have notes (30 words maximum) and a dictionary for the session

• In the 2 weeks prior to the write-up session, you can talk about what you’re going to do with your teacher and plan what you’re going write about

• Marked externallyG-D = 200-350 words over the two pieces of work.C-A*= 400-600 words over the two pieces of work.

Written Assessment

• The teacher CANNOT correct any plans or drafts but CAN comment on them

• Two of these essays will be sent away for marking and form part of the final exam grade

Credit is given for...

• Taking a risk (interesting language)• Being creative• Being accurate

Bad ideas to help with written assessments...

• Use a translator - it shows when we are reading the work AND it can disqualify the student

• Getting someone else to write it for you

• Not having a dictionaryX

Good ideas use work done in class

use dictionary to check spellings and vary the language

use mark scheme to know what will help you get a higher grade

What we expect at home

homework done every time

care taken while doing homework

revision for exams

20 words vocabulary learnt every week

Help and support

• Revision guides (we strongly recommend the Edexcel one)

• A good dictionary

Websites/apps

duolingohello mylolanguagesonline.org.ukbbc bitesize

How can parents help?

• Enable and encourage use of good language websites

• Test vocabulary• Keep a record of controlled assessments dates• Keep in touch with your teacher via email • l.gibirdi@burychurch.bury.sch.uk • h.brownhill@burychurch.bury.sch.uk

Being a dual linguist

• Same skills

• Organisation skills!

Dates of controlled assessments2015-16

Writing: week beginning 7th December 2015week beginning 13th June 2016Speaking:Week beginning 21st March 2016