1. NEW GCSE beginning September 2009 Why this GCSE is better? More in tune with what young people like to do. More flexible course enabling teachers and students to create content for classwork and even for exams. Less exams/assessment and some can be done at different times during the course. Piggott students tested all the New GCSE exams so the teachers know exactly what is needed to get the best results.
2. What does the New GCSE look like? Listening – 20% End of course exam Reading – 20% Speaking – 30% Assessment during course Writing – 20%
3. Listening and Reading (Marked Externally by EDEXCEL) The Listening and Reading tests are examined at the end of the course. Tests are set at Foundation and Higher level and are tested from the following GENERIC topic areas. Personal information Out and about General interests Leisure activities Family and friends Visitor information Basic weather Local amenities Accommodation Public transport Directions Futureplans,educationandwork Basic language of the internet Simple job advertisements Simple job applications and CV School and college Customer service and transactions Cafés and restaurants Shops Dealing with problems
4. Speaking (Marked by Piggott Teacher) The oral consists of 2 tests that can be carried out at different times of the course. 1) Interaction 2a) Presentation with follow up questions or 2b) Question on a picture
6. INFORMATION FOR TEACHERS Task 5 Situation (Formal) The student is working in a travel agency and you are a French tourist who wishes to arrange some coach tours You ask the student questions about the following: Excursions and their prices Accommodation for certain excursions Suitability of different excursions Whether or not the student has visited any of the places and his/her opinions. You will begin the conversation.
7. Questions on a picture Where are you? What is your role? When was the show? Did you like the costume? Would you like to be an actress?
8. Controlled Written Assessment Coursework no longer exists and it has been replaced by TWO pieces of controlled assessment. What is controlled assessment? You will have time to prepare a piece of original written work. This preparation will be done in class and must not be taken home. When you are ready you will be given 1 lesson to write your assessment You will be able to use a dictionary and your own prepared prompt card.
10. How do I get success at GCSE? There is no substitute for hard work both in class and at home Learn as much vocabulary as possible (Target language – English) Learn actively. Get people to help test you or revise with you. Do past papers. Keep revising. Keep tidy, well organised notes. Always involve yourself in class activities. Prepare for all exams correctly. Communicate with your teachers.
