Timetabling
The linear GCSE course should be allocated a time slot in the
timetable for one GCSE. Typically GCSE language courses are
delivered in 2 or 3 hours per week or 5 hours per fortnight. Double
lessons are not advisable as it is better for students to have
smaller amounts of exposure to the language across the week in
order to make the most progress. If double lessons cannot be
avoided, it is important to plan the time carefully to ensure that
students are on task. Moving to a different classroom or an ICT
room for the second half of a double lesson can provide a useful
break and enable students to re-focus. Alternatively, teachers
could sometimes plan a carousel of self-access activities in the
second half of the lesson (reading, independent listening and a
computer-based task for example) or make use of a foreign language
assistant in one half of a double to work with small groups whilst
doing oral activities with the class.
Examination practice
Examination practice should be planned into the scheme of work.
With the linear GCSE there are two tiers of entry (Foundation and
Higher). Students may not necessarily enter the same tier in
all four skills and it is vital that they are entered for the
examination at the correct level in order that they achieve their
full potential. It is advisable for students to sit a full
mock examination prior to sitting the real exam so that teachers
can obtain the evidence they need to ensure that students are
entered for the correct tier.
Past papers can be obtained from awarding bodies (in most cases
they can be downloaded from the website). Recorded material
for the listening may need to be ordered from the awarding body.
Advice for candidates is also often available in the form of
candidate kits/booklets to help them to understand the requirements
of the examination.
Practice oral examinations are advised in order that students
may fully understand the requirements of the speaking part of the
examination. Time will need to be negotiated with the senior
management to enable these to take place. It is important to stress
that the speaking represents 25% of the total mark and that
students do need to a practice test if they are to achieve their
potential. It is good practice to record the test as would be
the case in the real exam. This can provide evidence for the
teacher, student and parents if there are questions about entry
level for example.