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The Modular GCSE course at Henry Cort Community College, Fareham
'It's hard work but worth it!' Steve King, Head of Languages at Henry Cort.
Context
The Henry Cort Community College is situated to the south west of Fareham. The college is an 11-16 community comprehensive college. A new principal was appointed in September 2006. The proportion of students with learning difficulties and disabilities is below average as is the proportion of students entitled to free college meals. Most students are of White British origin. The college is a specialist college in sport (from 2003) and uses this and its community college status to ensure an extensive range of links with its local communities.
Key objectives
- To achieve the best possible results in GCSE languages by using a modular GCSE course in French and German to all students in KS4.
- To increase enjoyment of languages at GCSE level. The modular course gives staff the opportunity to praise students for their progress as they are collecting marks towards their final GCSE in each module.
How the programme is organised
Modular GCSE is used for both French and German. The school has been following the AQA Specification B since its inception.
There are 4 modules in the course:
- Module 1 — prepare a 3 - 4 minute tape in MFL by December/January
- Module 2 — tiered listening and reading exam in May of Y10
- Module 3 — 2 pieces of written coursework by December of Y11
- Module 4 — 50% GCSE in April - June of Y11 in all skills.
Hours per week required: 4-5
Results/effect
From 2000-2005 the school achieved the best best results in Hampshire for French. In 2007 they were fourth in terms of those colleges still offering French to over 150 cohorts.
Future developments
It is planned to continue with the modular GCSE course. The school is also interested in offering languages in the new Diplomas.
Author: Steve King, Head of Languages
