Why study Languages for GCSE? If you have questions please ask at the end, thanks or see Mr Girling in room 7 at the end. A copy of this presentation should be available on the website/moodle in the next week. I apologise in advance if this goes quickly but I do not just want to describe the exam, but also why languages are important.

Why study Languages for GCSE? If you have questions please ask at the end, thanks. A copy of this presentation should be available on the website/moodle in the next week. I apologise in advance if this goes quickly but I do not just want to describe the exam, but also why languages are important. Questions regarding pathways should go to Miss Suddon ( Deputy Headteacher) Questions regarding the suitability of your child should be asked at parents evening to their class teacher.

Why GCSE French / German? Learning languages is very rewarding and it is good to challenge yourself. You would like to work or travel abroad. Language skills are important for the economy. Language GCSEs are regarded as a highly valuable qualification by colleges and universities. See notes in the Options booklet about the Russell Group Universities. To keep your options open for later in life – you don’t know what jobs you will do / who you will work for. To be able to compete with others – the government set targets based on what percentage of pupils should be doing the Ebacc – this includes languages. This percentage is meant to be 90% of pupils by 2025 and 75% by 2022. This means when you go for jobs later in life, most young people who are a few years younger than you, will have a GCSE in a language as some schools are making it compulsory now. Lode Heath is aiming for 50% of pupils this year and this will gradually increase.

Languages at Lode Heath…. French German

“English is simply not enough “English is simply not enough. We cannot understand the world in English…

…we need to be aware as never before of other languages and of the ways in which they identify and represent their cultures” Footitt, October 2001

Where could languages take me?: JOBS A GCSE in French, German or makes you more employable. People who speak a language earn on average 10% more from their job than people who don’t! It gives you the edge in the job market!

Employability: give yourself the edge This is what a top employer said he is looking for in a new employee: social skills ability to work in a team communication skills problem-solving skills confidence experience open mindedness flexibility Learning languages gives you these skills Speaking another language makes you stand out from the crowd

Which languages are most in demand?

Last year’s languages grades At………. French: A*-C: % A*-G: %

Last year’s languages grades At…………. German: A*-C: % A*-G: %

for young people wanting to maximise their employment chances German? British business is over reliant on trading partners who speak English so British business is over reliant on trading partners who speak English so people with language skills have a distinct advantage. Germany is the UK’s 2nd largest trading partner, after the USA. That makes learning German an excellent choice for young people wanting to maximise their employment chances. for young people wanting to maximise their employment chances

The International Olympic Committee The International Red Cross French, along with English, is the official working language of:- The United Nations The International Olympic Committee The International Red Cross The Council of Europe The European Court of Justice

GCSE MFL – What is it like? The exams are explained on the handout. There are 4 skills - this is the same as KS3 – listening, speaking, reading and writing. The exams are at the end of Year 11. Pupils selected for the green pathway have been selected as they are making the most progress.

Take away one main thing from today…. If you want to improve your job prospects, WHATEVER you want to do….. Take a language at GCSE. The Russell Group of Universities really value languages – please see me for a list / follow the link in the Options booklet.