Modern Languages


Edexcel 1SP0/1FR0


Examination: 100%



Teaching may be of any modern foreign language and should build on the foundations of language learning laid at key stage 2, whether pupils continue with the same language or take up a new one. Teaching should focus on developing the breadth and depth of pupils’ competence in listening, speaking, reading and writing, based on a sound foundation of core grammar and vocabulary. It should enable pupils to understand and communicate personal and factual information that goes beyond their immediate needs and interests, developing and justifying points of view in speech and writing, with increased spontaneity, independence and accuracy. It should provide suitable preparation for further study.

Pupils should be taught to:

Grammar and vocabulary

  • Identify and use tenses or other structures which convey the present, past, and future as appropriate to the language being studied.
  • Use and manipulate a variety of key grammatical structures and patterns, including voices and moods, as appropriate.
  • Develop and use a wide ranging and deepening vocabulary that goes beyond their immediate needs and interests, allowing them to give and justify opiions and take part in discussion about wider issues.
  • Use accurate grammar, spelling and punctuation.

Linguistic competence

  • Listen to a variety of forms of spoken language to obtain information and respond appropriately.
  • Transcribe words and short sentences that they hear with increasing accuracy.
  • Express and develop ideas clearly and with increasing accuracy, both orally and in waiting.
  • Speak coherently and confidently, with increasingly accurate pronounciation and intonation.
  • Read and show comprehension of original and adapted materials from a range of different sources, understanding the purpose, important ideas and details, and provide an accurate English translation of short, suitable material.
  • Read literary texts in the language (such as stories, songs, poems and letters) to stimulate ideas, dvelop creative expression, and expand understanding of the language and culture.


The GCSE subject content sets out the knowledge, understanding and skills common to all GCSE specifications in a given subject. Together with the assessment objectives it provides the framework within which the awarding organisations create the detail of their specifications, so ensuring progression from key stage 3 national curriculum requirements and the possibilities for development into A level.

Subject aims and learning outcomes

  1. Through studying a GCSE in a modern foreign language, students should develop their ability and ambition to communicate with native speakers in speech and writing. The study of a modern foreign language at GCSE should also broaden students’ horizons and encourage them to step beyond familiar cultural boundaries and develop new ways of seeing the world.
  2. GCSE specifications in a modern foreign language should enable students to:
  • Develop their ability to communicate confidentially and coherently with native speakers in speech and writing, conveying what they want to say with increasing accuracy.
  • Express and develop thoughts and ideas spontaneously and fluently.
  • Listen to and understand clearly articulated, standard speech at near normal speed.
  • Deepen their knowledge about new language works and enrich their vocabulary in order for them to increase their independent use and understanding of extended language in a wide range of contexts.
  • Acquire new knowledge, skills, and ways of thinking through the ability to understand and respond to a rich range of authentic spoken and written material, adapted and abridged, as appropriate, including literary texts.
  • Develop awareness and understanding of the culture and indentity of the countries and communities where the language is spoken.
  • Be encouraged to make appropriate links to other areas of the curriculum to enable bilingual and deeper learning, where the language may become a medium for construccting and applying knowledge.
  • Develop language learning skills both for immediate use and to prepare them for further language study and use in school, higher education or in employment.

Develop language strategies, including repair strategies.


  • Edexcel website – Languages