GCSE Italian

GCSE ITALIAN

What is the GCSE language course about?
In the GCSE Italian course you will learn the language necessary to cope in a variety of everyday practical situations. You will learn to speak, listen, read and write in Italian. You will also learn cultural facts about the country and society.

Why should I take GCSE Italian?
Learning another language can be helpful to you whether you are working in Britain or somewhere abroad, whether you are on holiday on the continent or trying to help a foreign visitor. People with language skills are more employable. The Italian GCSE course is intended to be a fast track course enabling able students to make rapid progress. Oxbridge entrants are usually expected to have at least one foreign language, so if you have not already studied a language to GCSE it could be worth your while picking up Italian.
Useful skills and interests

• No previous knowledge is required
• Enthusiasm and diligence
• Interest in learning the language and culture of the target language
• Take an active approach in your learning
• Have a good memory for words and phrases
• A curiosity for how the grammar of the language works, rather than simply memorising set phrases

The emphasis in this course is on understanding the language scientifically. This will then give you a good basis for learning other languages afterwards. This course is also ideal if you have chosen to study another language at AS level. There are many similarities with French and Spanish, for example.

Course structure and content
During the course you will learn the language for the following themes:

• My world:
• Self, Family and Friends
• Interests and Hobbies
• Home and Local Environment
• Daily Routine
• School and Future Plans
• Work & Life Style:
• Home life
• Health living
• Part-time Jobs and Work Experience
• Leisure
• Services
• Shopping
• Holiday
  
  Time & Travel:
• Travel, Transport and Finding the Way
• Tourism
• Accommodation
• Holiday Activities
• The Young Person in Society:
• Character and Personal Relationships
• The Environment
• Education
• Careers and Future Plans
• Social Issues, Choices and Responsibilities

How will I be assessed?
The GCSE courses prepare you to take the AQA examination at the end of a years study. You will be entered for the GCSE full course, and you will be examined in the four skills of Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. Each skill may be taken at Foundation or Higher level (although it is hoped that most students on this course will be able to be entered for Higher level). Your teacher will discuss the different possibilities with you and advise you as to what is the best for you.

Course commitment
For your GCSE Foreign Language you will have three and a half hours tuition per week. You will also have work to do outside the class and during you Private Study Periods. Reasonable deadlines for handing in work will be set and must be met.

During Private Study Periods you will be able to consolidate recently learned material and spend time learning vocabulary and revising work covered in the class.

Course costs
All text books and course materials are provided. We advise you to buy a Revision book at about 2.00. The College has an exchange partnership with the island of Ischia off the coast of Naples.

Progression Routes
You will be able to take an AS course in Italian in your second year if there is sufficient demand. We currently have five students who completed the GCSE course last year now preparing for AS level.