GCE Languages Revised Specifications

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GCE LanguagesRevised Specifications

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Why revise specifications?

• Our aim is to provide teachers, lecturers and
  tutors with top-class qualifications that are
  refreshingly relevant, stimulating and rewarding
  for their learners.

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Consultation

• Phase 1
• Online consultation with teachers on our current
  specifications
• Phase 2
• Online consultation with teachers on our revised
  specifications
• Subject Specific Focus Groups
• Subject Advisory Teams

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Key changes

• A reduction in the assessment burden (from 6
  units to 4 units).
• New opportunities for stretch and challenge in
  the A2 units evident in specimen papers and
  mark schemes.
• The introduction of an A grade.
• AO4 removed

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Subject specific information

• AS1 speaking 13 mins
• 70 marks (17.5)
• AS2 listening, reading, writing 2hrs 45 mins
• 130 marks (32.5)
• A21 speaking 15 mins
• 70 marks (17.5)
• A22 listening, reading, writing 3hrs
• 130 marks (32.5)

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• Listening reading - changes in question types
  frequency
• No literature at AS - extended writing only
  (responsive writing)
• Speaking less complex - 2 elements
• No responsive writing at A2 - literature only
• Societal themes assessed in A2 speaking

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Assessment Objectives

• AO1 understand and respond to spoken language
• AO2 understand and respond to written language
• AO3 application of grammar

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AS1 Speaking

• 70 marks 17.5
• Presentation 3 mins 2
• AO2 (20 marks) AO1 (10 marks)
• Conversation 8-9 mins
• - AO1 (30 marks) AO3 (10 marks)
• Pro forma submitted to CCEA (60w)
• Based on AS contexts for learning
• Brief reference to topic at start of conversation
• Based on general themes, interests etc

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AS2 Listening, reading, writing

• Similar to current specification
• No literary or societal themes
• Extended writing responsive only
• Section A
• - Listening 30 mins
• - 2 extracts
• - 2 questions assessing AO1 criteria- question
  types will change objective types / TL
• - Followed by break 15 mins

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Section B

• Reading 1 hour 15 mins
• 1 text
• Q1 - 2 parts
• Question types will vary (objective types / TL)
• Q2 Translation TL gt English

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Section C

• Writing 1 hour
• Responsive writing exercise
• Based on 2 of the 3 AS contexts
• Each with short stimulus
• 3 Bullet points
• Answer 1 question 200-250 words
• AO2 20 marks AO3 30 marks

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A2 1 Speaking

• Discussion on a societal theme studied (5 mins)
• 20 marks AO2 10 marks AO3
• Pro forma submitted with outline
• (60 words)
• General conversation 10 mins
• AO1 30 marks AO3 10 marks

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A22 Listening, reading, writing

• Section A Listening 35 mins
• 2 Questions question types will vary
• - Objective types, TL English
• 15 min break

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Section B

• Reading
• 1 hour 25 mins
• 2 texts
• Q1 relates to first text
• Q2 relates to second text and has two parts (a)
  and (b)
• Question types will vary
• Q3 Translation into TL (20 marks AO3)

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Section C

• Writing 1 hour
• 40 marks AO2 10 marks AO3
• Based on 3 texts/authors/themes
• Answer 1 question only
• 300-350 words
• Each has alternative
• Open ended

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Contexts For Learning

• Contexts for Learning

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Our support programme

• Autumn 2007 Winter 2009
• Launch events (Sept Nov 2007)
• Subject specific support days
• AS January 2008 March 2008
• In preparation for teaching AS in September
  2008
• A2 January 2009 March 2009
• In preparation for teaching A2 in September
  2009

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Our support programme contd.

• Exemplification of standards
• AS September November 2009
• A2 September November 2010

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Our support programme contd

• November 2007 March 2010
• Online Support
• Schemes of Work available on www.ccea.org.uk .
• Student Guides available on www.ccea.org.uk.

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Our commitment to you

• In person
• A local team fully committed to supporting you
• Accessible subject officers and specification
  support officers
• Tailored guidance from a subject specialist
• Centre visits on request

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Our commitment to youcontd

• Online Support
• Subject specific micro-sites
• The revised specification
• Exemplar papers and mark schemes
• Schemes of work
• Student guides
• Chief Examiner reports

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Contact details

• Officer with Subject Responsibility
• Seán Mac Nia / Clare McNicholl
• Specification Support Officer
• Lisa McMahon
• Examination Entries
• Distribution