Why are GCSE Revision Courses in Modern Languages a Good Idea?
Friday, 13th February 2009
Although foreign-language learning remains less popular in UK secondary schools than in those of our European counterparts, there are still a good number of students who choose to take GCSEs in foreign languages.
The formal recognition of the need for a greater take-up of foreign language courses at GCSE level, coupled with the upcoming Olympics in London will I’m sure, further increase the number of people choosing to study foreign languages until the age of 16 in years to come too.
Although teaching provision for these classes is generally considered to be good, there is one major factor in successful language-learning that remains a constraint of this type of course – spending time in the country where the foreign language is spoken.
This applies especially to languages such as Spanish, which still feature below French in the list of modern languages. As the most popular language traditionally, anyone organising trips and exchanges to France will probably find themselves on a fairly well-trodden path. Spanish experiences like this on the other hand, may not perhaps always be as straightforward to arrange.
With this is mind, new courses have been specifically designed to help teenagers revise for their GCSE exams in Spain. All these courses are a week long and provide an immersion environment to ensure that participants gain the best possible grades in their Spanish exams.
G.C.S.E. Preparation courses are available in Valencia, Madrid and Barcelona, and are exclusive to UK students in Year 10 or 11 who want to improve their skills in Spanish language in preparation for the G.C.S.E. examination.
All the students are encouraged to participate in class in order to develop their communicative skills as well as do practice exercises directly related to the exam. Two levels of teaching are offered depending on whether the student is taking the Higher tier or Foundation tier.
Completing courses such as these will not only be beneficial in terms of the linguistic advancements that they will bring about, but they are also a great way for teenagers to meet people from other cultures and learn more about the country where the language is spoken. A good experience on a trip like this will no doubt incite a far greater enthusiasm for the subject, which should encourage students to study harder to get a good grade at GCSE, and hopefully continue with the language at A level.
An experience living and studying abroad (albeit short-term) such as this will also compliment a fundamental part of their wider education in providing a huge boost in self-confidence and a real sense of independence.
Tags: spanish, culture, learning, languages, spain, language learning, language course, olympics, london
Posted by Laura Harrison under Types of Courses, Making Progress,
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