Ryton Parents – Year 9 Options – Modern Languages

Ryton Comprehensive School became a Specialist Language College in 1999. This has brought with it many opportunities for Ryton and Gateshead students. We are able to offer a range of languages to study through to A level. We lead Gateshead in the provision of languages. Considerable sums of government and sponsorship money have been directed into improving the facilities, resources and staffing of Modern Foreign Languages in the school. All language rooms are equipped to the highest specifications with Interactive Whiteboards, Digital Voice Recorders and up-to-date software.

Languages offered at GCSE Level (students must have studied the language at Key Stage 3):

· French

· German

· Italian

· Spanish

· Japanese

Why study an MFL at GCSE?

Future Study: GCSE Languages are held in high esteem, by both employers and universities. Students have been refused a place at top universities as they did not study a foreign language at GCSE level. Many university courses today have an option to study abroad.

Employability: As many companies expand to take in the European Market, the ability to speak a language is becoming increasingly important for prospective employers. An MFL is seen by employers to be an important key skill which complements all areas. With fewer students learning languages in state schools, having a MFL GCSE is a major advantage to Ryton students.

Enjoyment: In addition, there are the opportunities speaking a foreign language opens to travel, and meet new people whether as part of a job or purely for enjoyment. Learning a foreign language stimulates the brain and opens a whole new world of opportunity to students.

Two/Three Modern Foreign Languages at GCSE?

In studying two languages at GCSE level, students are able to build on the linguistic skills they have established at KS3 and adapt them to both languages. The languages support each other and skills are developed simultaneously in both languages.

Japanese: Students who have already studied Japanese in extra-curricular lessons in Year 9 have the opportunity to study for a GCSE in Japanese. See Miss Townsend for further details.

Italian: Students who have already studied Italian in extra-curricular lessons in Year 9 have the opportunity to study for a GCSE in Italian. See Miss Townsend for further details

GCSE (French/German/Spanish/Italian/Japanese)

Emphasis is on developing the use of the language for practical communication. Four skills are tested in the final examinations:

Listening 20% Final Exam in June 2011	Foundation/Higher Tier
Reading 20% Final Exam in June 2011	Foundation/Higher Tier
Speaking 30% Controlled Assessment throughout the course	Untiered
Writing 30% Controlled assessment throughout the course	Untiered

Tier Grades available

Higher A* - D

Foundation C - G

Topics studied will cover four themes:

1) Lifestyle (Health/Relationships and choices)

2) Leisure (Free time and the Media/Holidays)

3) Home and Environment (Home and Local Area/Environment)

4) Work and Education (School/College and Future Plans/Current and Future Jobs)

The course, as well as giving obvious insights into the culture and civilisation of other countries, will form a sound base for further study at AS and/or A2 Level.

Contact: Ms J. Townsend