Y11 French/Spanish GCSE Speaking exam

Please find the dates of the speaking exams (25% of the GCSE grade) that will take place on one of the following dates: Thursday 5 May, Friday 6 May and Monday 9 May.

Thursday 5 May period 1-3: native speakers of French with Ms James
Thursday 5 May period 1-2: native speakers of Spanish with Mr Deacon
Thursday 5 May periods 4 and 5: Y11 French (option D) with Ms Jacob
Thursday 5 May periods 3-5: Y11 Spanish (option B) with Ms Williams
Friday 6 May all day: Y11 French (option D) with Ms James
Friday 6 May all day: Y11 Spanish (option D) with Mr Deacon
Monday 9 May all day: Y11 French (option B) with Ms Jacob
Monday 9 May all day: Y11 Spanish (option D) with Ms Williams

Your child’s teacher will give him/her the time of the exam in lesson time. It should also be recorded in the student’s planner. Your child needs to arrive a couple of minutes before their time to ensure the smooth running of the day and to be in the right mindset.

Students (Foundation and Higher) have 12 minutes preparation at the back of the library with an invigilator to prepare for a role-play and a photo card before entering the exam room.

The test will last between 7-9 minutes at Foundation level and 10-12 minutes at Higher level. As well as the role play, a photo card, students will have a conversation on topics from themes 1, 2 and 3. These include: Me, my family and friends / Technology in everyday life / Free time activities / Customs and Festivals / Local area / Social issues / Global issues / Tourism / My studies / Life at school and college / Education post-16 / Jobs, career choices and ambitions.

Students have prepared their answers to those conversation questions in their speaking folder and need to memorise them. They are expected to be fully ready on the day of their exam. You could support your child by asking him/her the questions in French/Spanish. You could also ask him/her to translate back in French/Spanish to test their understanding and/or students could record themselves and listen to their answers to help them with the learning.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher.

Katty Jacob
Head of Languages
kjacob@aclandburghley.camden.sch.uk