In each of the IGCSE language courses offered, you will develop your skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Each of these skill areas is worth an equal proportion. When studying any of the languages, it is particularly important that you retain vocabulary and develop your understanding of grammatical rules and are able to apply these. As preparation for IB, it is particularly important to improve your reading, writing and speaking skills as much as you can.
Foreign Language IGCSE: French (4SP1) , Spanish (4FR1)
The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Spanish & French qualification comprises three assessments: • Paper 1 – a written examination paper focussing on the skill of listening • Paper 2 – a written examination paper focussing on the skills of reading and writing • Paper 3 – a spoken examination paper focussing on the skill or speaking
The Listening assessment comprises: • a 30-minute examination paper set and marked by Pearson, plus five minutes’ reading time. • The total number of marks for the paper is 40.
The Reading and Writing assessment comprises: • a 1-hour and 45-minute examination paper set and marked by Pearson. • The total number of marks for the paper is 80, with 40 marks for reading and 40 marks
The Speaking assessment aims are: • describe the contents of a picture. • describe possible past or future events related to people in the picture. • respond to questions about the picture and its related topic. • take part in a spontaneous conversation on two further topics.
The Speaking assessment • is conducted internally and is externally assessed. • is worth 40 marks. • comprises 25% of the qualification. • must be conducted entirely in French Spanish as appropriate. • must be conducted in one continuous session. • must be recorded.
You are able to learn a language from the beginner level for the IB Diploma in year 12 as long as you have not studied that language at GCSE.
Please note: Students who have studied any of these language pathways at IGCSE level cannot continue to study the same language for the Ab initio course. For Further Information: Please see Ms Erika Guzman Vazquez, Head of Languages.
