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Early entry GCSE
Some schools decide to enter pupils early for the GCSE in foreign languages. The reasons for early entry are diverse and depend upon individual circumstances. Some reasons for early entry are listed below:
Early entry in KS3
- Entry for a language GCSE in year 9 can allow able linguists to work towards a higher level language qualification in KS4. This could be AS or an alternative qualification such as Advanced Asset Languages or NVQ Language Units at level 3. Details of level 3 language qualifications may be found on the qualifications page.
- Year 9 entry in a first foreign language can enable pupils who may be linguistically talented to pursue a second and third foreign language in KS4.
- Native speakers may be entered for the GCSE in KS3 so that they can gain a qualification in their mother tongue at a time when then is less pressure from other subject areas. In this case they are rarely provided with taught lessons but schools obtain past papers from the appropriate awarding body and will often have to arrange for an oral examiner to conduct the speaking test. Schools wishing to find an awarding body to accredit less common languages should consult the National Database of Accredited Qualifications.
- Pupils may be entered for GCSE language qualifications in year 9 to accredit their study of a language because they are not continuing with languages in KS4.
Early entry in KS4
- Able linguists in some schools may enter a GCSE in a first foreign language in year 10 and then a second foreign language in year 11. This enables lessons to be taught in the time allocated to one GCSE.
- Early entry in year 10 can enable pupils to begin a higher level language course in year 11 which they can continue in KS5. Details of level 3 language qualifications to which pupils can progress may be found on the qualifications page.
- Some schools will enter pupils for their GCSE language in year 10 and then use the curriculum time which has been freed up in year 11 to pursue a course in another subject such as ICT.
