AQA French Specification
AQA French Specification
French/German/Spanish
For exams from June 2014 onwards For certification from June 2014 onwards
GCE French/German/Spanish for exams from June 2014 onwards (version 1.5)
Contents
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1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4
Introduction
Why choose AQA? Why choose French/German/Spanish? How do I start using this specification? How can I find out more?
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2 2 3 3
2 3
3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5
4 5
8 10 12 14 16
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4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6
Scheme of Assessment
Aims Assessment Objectives National Criteria Prior Learning Synoptic Assessment and Stretch and Challenge Access to Assessment for Disabled Students
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19 19 20 20 21 21
5
5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8
Administration
Availability of Assessment Units and Certification Entries Private Candidates Access Arrangements and Special Consideration Language of Examinations Qualification Titles Awarding Grades and Reporting Results Re-sits and Shelf-life of Unit Results
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22 22 22 22 23 23 23 23
A B C D
Appendices
Performance Descriptions Spiritual, Moral, Ethical, Social, and other Issues Overlaps with other Qualifications Key Skills
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24 28 29 30
Vertical black lines indicate a significant change or addition to the previous version of this specification.
GCE French/German/Spanish for exams from June 2014 onwards (version 1.5)
1 Introduction
1.1 Why choose AQA?
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Its a fact that AQA is the UKs favourite exam board and more students receive their academic qualifications from AQA than from any other board. But why does AQA continue to be so popular?
Service
We are committed to providing an efficient and effective service and we are at the end of the phone when you need to speak to a person about an important issue. We will always try to resolve issues the first time you contact us but, should that not be possible, we will always come back to you (by telephone, email or letter) and keep working with you to find the solution.
Specifications
Ours are designed to the highest standards, so teachers, students and their parents can be confident that an AQA award provides an accurate measure of a students achievements. And the assessment structures have been designed to achieve a balance between rigour, reliability and demands on candidates.
Ethics
AQA is a registered charity. We have no shareholders to pay. We exist solely for the good of education in the UK. Any surplus income is ploughed back into educational research and our service to you, our customers. We dont profit from education, you do. If you are an existing customer then we thank you for your support. If you are thinking of moving to AQA then we look forward to welcoming you.
Support
AQA runs the most extensive programme of support meetings; free of charge in the first years of a new specification and at a very reasonable cost thereafter. These support meetings explain the specification and suggest practical teaching strategies and approaches that really work.
GCE French/German/Spanish for exams from June 2014 onwards (version 1.5)
Teacher Support
Details of the full range of current Teacher Support meetings are available on our website at http://www.aqa.org.uk/support/teachers.html There is also a link to our fast and convenient online booking system for Teacher Support meetings at http://events.aqa.org.uk/ebooking If you need to contact the Teacher Support team, you can call us on 01483 477860 or email us at [email protected]
GCE French/German/Spanish for exams from June 2014 onwards (version 1.5)
2 Specification at a Glance
AS Examinations Unit 1 FREN1; GERM1; SPAN1 Listening, Reading and Writing 70% of AS, 35% of A Level 2 hour written examination 110 marks Available June only
AS Award
French 1651 German 1661 Spanish 1696
Unit 2 FRE2T/V; GER2T/V; SPA2T/V Speaking Test 30% of AS, 15% of A Level 35 minutes speaking test (including 20 minutes preparation) 50 marks Available June only
A2 Examinations Unit 3 FREN3; GERM3; SPAN3 Listening, Reading and Writing 35% of A Level 2 hours 30 minutes written examination 110 marks Available June only Unit 4 FRE4T/V; GER4T/V; SPA4T/V Speaking Test 15% of A Level 35 minutes speaking test (including 20 minutes preparation) 50 marks Available June only
A Level Award
French 2651 German 2661 Spanish 2696
AS
A2
A Level
GCE French/German/Spanish for exams from June 2014 onwards (version 1.5)
3 Subject Content
AS
For all four AS topics, the sub-topics must be studied. However, the bullet points given under the sub-topics are only suggestions as to the general areas which could be covered as part of the teaching programme. They are neither prescriptive nor exhaustive and are not to be covered in a specific order, but are intended to clarify the scope of each sub-topic and will be used as a general steer by question setters in the preparation of examination papers and assessment tasks. As Knowledge of Society is not a discrete assessment objective in the subject criteria for Modern Foreign Languages, there is no requirement to study the topics in the context of the target language-speaking country/community. However, assessment material will include authentic sources. Fashion/trends How we can alter our image Does how we look define who we are? Lifestyle and leisure activities The cult of the celebrity
HEALTHY LIVING/LIFESTYLE
Sport/exercise Traditional sports versus fun sports Reasons for taking part in sport / physical exercise Factors influencing participation in sport / physical exercise Links between physical exercise and health Health and well-being Alcohol, tobacco, other drugs Diet, including eating disorders The work/life balance Risks to health through accidents Holidays Types of holiday and holiday activities The impact of tourism on holiday destinations Purposes and benefits of holidays Changing attitudes to holidays
MEDIA
Television TV viewing habits Range of programmes, eg their appeal and popularity Range of channels including satellite and internet Benefits and dangers of watching TV Advertising Purposes of advertising Advertising techniques Curbs on advertising, eg tobacco, alcohol Benefits and drawbacks of advertising Communication technology Popularity of mobile phones, MP3 players, etc Benefits and dangers of mobile phones, MP3 players, etc Internet - its current and potential usage Benefits and dangers of the internet
FAMILY/RELATIONSHIPS
Relationships within the family Role of parents and importance of good parenting Attitudes of young people towards other family members Conflict between young people and other family members Changing models of family and parenting Friendships Characteristics and roles of friends Conflicts with friends Importance of friends Friendship versus love Marriage/partnerships Changing attitudes towards marriage or cohabitation Separation and divorce Staying single: benefits and drawbacks Changing roles within the home
POPULAR CULTURE
Cinema Types of film, changing trends The place of cinema in popular culture A good film I have seen Cinema versus alternative ways of viewing films Music Types of music, changing trends The place of music in popular culture Music I like How music defines personal identity
GCE French/German/Spanish for exams from June 2014 onwards (version 1.5)
A2
For A2, candidates must study two of the five Cultural Topics listed, together with the remaining three topics, ie Environment, the Multicultural Society and Contemporary Social Issues. The bullet points given under the sub-topics for Environment, the Multicultural Society and Contemporary Social Issues are only suggestions as to the general areas which could be covered as part of the teaching programme. They are neither prescriptive nor exhaustive and are not to be covered in a specific order, but are intended to clarify the scope of each sub-topic and will be used as a general steer by question setters in the preparation of examination papers and assessment tasks. As Knowledge of Society is not a discrete assessment objective in the subject criteria for Modern Foreign Languages, there is no requirement to study the above topics in the context of the target language-speaking country/community. However, assessment material will include authentic sources. The requirement in the subject criteria to study aspects of the target language-speaking country/ community is met in the Cultural Topics. The bullet points for the Cultural Topics are not prescriptive, but are intended to provide some guidance for teachers and students choosing to study these topics.
ENVIRONMENT
Pollution Types, causes and effects of pollution Measures to reduce pollution Individual action/responsibility versus collective action/responsibility Transport issues Energy Coal, oil and gas Nuclear Alternative energy sources Changing attitudes to energy consumption Protecting the planet Ways of minimising environmental damage The role of pressure groups Initiatives to improve awareness and change behaviour Responsibilities towards other nations, especially developing countries
GCE French/German/Spanish for exams from June 2014 onwards (version 1.5)
CULTURAL TOPIC
A target language-speaking region/community Its geography and how its geography has influenced/influences/will influence the region Its history and how its history has influenced/ influences/will influence the region Its industries and how these have changed in the last 20 years. What about the future? Its population and how it has changed in the last 20 years. What about the future? Its economy and how important this is/was A personal perspective: Would I like to live/work in this region? A period of 20th century history from a target language-speaking country/community Main events of the period Causes of these events The importance/influence/effects of these events The ideas and influences of at least two individuals who made a significant impact during the period Specific actions of these individuals plus an appraisal of the importance of these actions A personal perspective: Would I have liked to live in that period? An author from a target language-speaking country/community A detailed study of at least one novel or collection of short stories, plus personal appraisal The themes/ideas/messages of the author How these themes/ideas/messages are expressed What/who influences/inspires the author? Why does he/she feel as he/she does? A personal evaluation of the authors work: Why do I enjoy reading the work of this author?
A dramatist or poet from a target languagespeaking country/community A detailed study of at least one play or collection of poems, plus personal appraisal The themes/ideas/messages of the dramatist/ poet How these themes/ideas/messages are expressed What/who influences/inspires the dramatist/poet? Why does he/she feel as he/she does? A personal evaluation of the dramatists/poets work: Why do I enjoy the work of this dramatist/ poet? A director, architect, musician or painter from a target language-speaking country/community A detailed study of at least one work of the artist, plus a personal appraisal The influences on the artist events and people The ideas/techniques of the artist, plus personal appraisal The importance of the artist both in his/her own lifetime and later A personal evaluation: Why do I find this artist so interesting?
GCE French/German/Spanish for exams from June 2014 onwards (version 1.5)
Reading and Writing Section Candidates answer all questions. This section comprises 3-4 items requiring short target-language or non-verbal responses, together with a cloze test. The cloze test comprises ten discrete sentences not based on any of the stimulus texts; in each case candidates will be required to manipulate a given noun/verb/adjective. Candidates are advised to spend approximately 45 minutes on this section. Writing Section Candidates respond to one question from a choice of three. There is one question on three of the four AS topic areas. Candidates are advised to spend approximately 45 minutes on this section and must write a minimum of 200 words. The marks are allocated in the following way. AO1 AO2 AO3 Listening Section (includes transfer of meaning into English task) Reading and Writing Section (includes cloze test) Writing Section 35 30 20 10 15
5-8
1-4
GCE French/German/Spanish for exams from June 2014 onwards (version 1.5)
QUALITY OF LANGUAGE Range of Vocabulary Mark Criteria 5 4 3 2 1 0 Wide range of appropriate vocabulary A range of appropriate vocabulary Some variety of appropriate vocabulary Limited variety of appropriate vocabulary Very little use of appropriate vocabulary No appropriate vocabulary Range of Structures Mark Criteria 5 4 3 2 1 0 Very good variety of grammatical structures used Good variety of grammatical structures used Some variety of grammatical structures used Limited variety of grammatical structures used Shows little grasp of grammatical structures Shows no grasp of grammatical structures 2 1 0 4 3 Mark Criteria 5
Accuracy
There may be inaccuracies, but these tend to occur in attempts at more complex structures Largely accurate but with few basic errors Generally accurate but still with some basic errors Basic errors are frequent The number of errors make comprehension difficult Errors are such that communication is seriously impaired
3
It should be noted that the marks awarded for each of Range of Vocabulary, Range of Structures and Accuracy cannot be more than one band higher than the band awarded for Content.
GCE French/German/Spanish for exams from June 2014 onwards (version 1.5)
Mark In the more general discussion 5 4 3 2 0-1 Responds to all opportunities to express and develop ideas and opinions Some evidence of developing ideas and opinions Ideas and opinions are simplistic and underdeveloped Meaningful ideas and opinions are rarely expressed No or very little meaningful response
3-4
0-2
10
GCE French/German/Spanish for exams from June 2014 onwards (version 1.5)
Marks Interaction 9 - 10 Sustains a meaningful exchange; takes the lead on occasions. Responds well to regular opportunities to react spontaneously in developing ideas 7-8 Reacts reasonably well with some, but infrequent, evidence of spontaneity in response to opportunities to develop ideas Tends to react rather than initiate, but attempts to give additional information. Little evidence of spontaneity and much use made of pre-learned responses Generally dependent on the examiner. Volunteering little additional information. Excessive use made of pre-learned responses Little or no significant reaction
Knowledge of Grammar (AO3) This is an overall assessment of the candidates performance in both parts of the test. Marks 13 - 15 A variety of linguistic structures used, generally effectively. Limitations in the use of more complex structures and more sophisticated vocabulary. Errors are generally minor but with some serious errors in more complex structures 10 - 12 Reasonable performance, tending to use unsophisticated constructions and vocabulary. Grammatical errors do not generally interfere with communication 7-9 Generally comprehensible to a native speaker. Limited range of constructions, vocabulary and sentence patterns. Serious grammatical errors may sometimes cause difficulties for immediate comprehension Very limited range of constructions and vocabulary. Recurring serious errors. Influence of English is intrusive Little or no evidence of grammatical awareness. Great difficulty in constructing basic sentences
5-6
3-4
0-2
Mark Pronunciation and Intonation 5 4 3 2 0 -1 Good Fairly good Intelligible Poor Barely intelligible
4-6
0-3
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GCE French/German/Spanish for exams from June 2014 onwards (version 1.5)
Candidates answer all questions. This section comprises 2-4 items requiring short target-language or non-verbal responses, together with a task involving transfer of meaning from the target language into English and a task involving transfer of meaning from English into the target language. Candidates are advised to spend approximately 1 hour on this section. Writing Section Candidates respond with one piece of writing to one question from a choice of two, based on each of the five A2 Cultural Topic areas, ie ten questions are set. Candidates are advised to spend approximately 1 hour on this section and must write a minimum of 250 words. The marks are allocated in the following way. AO1 AO2 AO3 Listening Section Reading and Writing Section (includes transfer of meaning from and into the target language) Writing Section 25
0-5
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GCE French/German/Spanish for exams from June 2014 onwards (version 1.5)
QUALITY OF LANGUAGE Range of Vocabulary Mark 5 4 3 2 0-1 Criteria Very wide range of vocabulary used A wide range of vocabulary used Some variety in the use of vocabulary Little variety in the use of vocabulary Vocabulary simple and very limited 0-1 Complexity of Language Mark 5 4 3 2 0-1 Criteria Very wide range of complex structures A wide range of structures including complex constructions A variety of structures used, with some attempts at complex constructions Structures mainly simple, with little variety Structures very simple and limited in scope Mark 5 4 3 2 Criteria
Accuracy
Highly accurate with only occasional errors Generally accurate with few errors More accurate than inaccurate; errors rarely impede communication Some errors but these generally do not impede communication Many errors which significantly impede communication
It should be noted that the marks awarded for each of Range of Vocabulary, Complexity of Language and Accuracy cannot be in a higher band than the band awarded for Content.
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3 2
0-1
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GCE French/German/Spanish for exams from June 2014 onwards (version 1.5)
Marks 9 - 10
Interaction Sustains a meaningful exchange with very little prompting. Responds well to regular opportunities to react spontaneously. Can develop ideas and counter views. Responds reasonably well with some evidence of spontaneity. Reacts infrequently to opportunities to develop ideas and counter views. Tends to react rather than initiate. Limited evidence of spontaneity in developing responses to questions seeking views and opinions. More comfortable with factual information. Generally dependent on the examiners prompting, which elicits only occasional attempts to give additional information. Minimal reaction with little or no development of responses independent of any prompting.
Knowledge of Grammar (AO3) This is an overall assessment of the candidates performance in both parts of the test. Marks 13 - 15 Very good command of the language. Good use of idiom, complex structures and range of vocabulary. Highly accurate grammar and sentence structure; occasional mistakes. 10 - 12 Good command of the language. Attempts to use complex constructions and a wide range of vocabulary. Good grammar and sentence structure; generally accurate. 7-9 A variety of linguistic structures used, generally effectively. Limitations in the use of more complex structures and more sophisticated vocabulary. Errors generally minor but with some serious errors in more complex structures. Reasonable performance. Tends to use unsophisticated constructions and vocabulary. Grammatical errors do not generally interfere with communication. Generally comprehensible to a native speaker. Limited range of constructions, vocabulary and sentence patterns. Serious grammatical errors may sometimes cause difficulties for immediate comprehension.
7-8
5-6
3-4
0-2
4-6 Mark 5 4 3 2 0-1 Pronunciation and Intonation Very good Good Fairly good Intelligible Poor 0-3
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GCE French/German/Spanish for exams from June 2014 onwards (version 1.5)
French AS
Nouns: gender, singular and plural forms Articles: definite, indefinite and partitive
Adjectives: agreement position comparative and superlative demonstrative (ce, cet, cette, ces) indefinite (chaque, quelque) possessive interrogative (quel, quelle) Adverbs: comparative and superlative interrogative (comment, quand) Quantifiers/intensifiers (trs, assez, beaucoup) Pronouns: personal subject object: direct and indirect position and order reflexive relative (qui, que) relative: lequel, auquel, dont (R) object: direct and indirect disjunctive/emphatic demonstrative (celui) (R) indefinite (quelquun) possessive (le mien) (R) interrogative (qui, que) interrogative (quoi) (R) use of y, en Verbs: regular and irregular verbs, including reflexive verbs modes of address (tu, vous) impersonal verbs verbs followed by an infinitive (with or without a preposition) dependent infinitives (faire rparer) (R) perfect infinitive negative forms interrogative forms
French A Level
All grammar and structures listed for AS, plus: Pronouns: relative: lequel, auquel, dont possessive (le mien) demonstrative (celui) interrogative (quoi) Verbs: dependent infinitives (faire rparer) future perfect tense conditional perfect tense passive voice: all tenses subjunctive mood: present perfect imperfect (R) Inversion after adverbs Inversion after speech
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German AS
The case system Nouns: gender singular and plural forms genitive singular and dative plural forms weak nouns adjectives used as nouns Articles: definite and indefinite, including kein Adjectives: adjectival endings comparative and superlative demonstrative (dieser, jeder) possessive interrogative (welcher) Adverbs: comparative and superlative interrogative (wann, warum, wo, wie, wie viel) Qualifiers: sehr, besonders, kaum, recht, wenig Particles: doch, eben, ja, mal, schon Pronouns: personal position and order reflexive relative indefinite (jemand, niemand) possessive interrogative (wer, wen, wem, was) Verbs: weak, strong, mixed and irregular forms of verbs reflexive usages modes of address (du, ihr, Sie) impersonal verbs separable/inseparable infinitive constructions: lassen with infinitive (R) modal verbs (drfen, knnen, mgen, mssen, sollen, wollen): present and imperfect tenses; imperfect subjunctive of mgen and knnen auxiliary (haben, sein, werden) infinitive constructions (um zu, ohne zu, verbs with zu) infinitive constructions: lassen with infinitive negative forms interrogative forms tenses: present perfect perfect (modal verbs) (R) imperfect/simple past (all verbs) future conditional future perfect (R) conditional perfect (R) pluperfect passive voice (verbs with a direct object) (R) passive voice (verbs with an indirect object) (R) imperative subjunctive in conditional clauses (imperfect) subjunctive in conditional clauses (pluperfect) (R) subjunctive in indirect speech (R) Prepositions: fixed case and dual case
Clause structures: main clause word order subordinate clauses (including relative clauses) Conjunctions: coordinating subordinating: most common, including damit, ob, so dass subordinating: als ob, seitdem (R) Number, quantity and time (including use of seit, seitdem)
German A Level
All grammar and structures listed for AS, plus: Verbs infinitive constructions: lassen with infinitive tenses: perfect (all verbs, including modal verbs) future perfect conditional perfect passive voice (verbs with a direct or indirect object) subjunctive in conditional clauses (pluperfect) Other uses of the subjunctive (with als, als ob) Conjunctions: subordinating: als ob, seitdem All forms of indirect speech Variations of normal word order
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GCE French/German/Spanish for exams from June 2014 onwards (version 1.5)
Spanish AS
Nouns: gender singular and plural forms Articles: definite and indefinite (including lo plus adjective) Adjectives: agreement position apocopation (buen, mal) comparative and superlative demonstrative (este, ese, aquel) indefinite (alguno, cualquiera, otro) possessive (short and long forms) (mi, mo) interrogative (cunto, qu) relative (cuyo) exclamatory (qu)
Adverbs: comparative and superlative interrogative (cmo, cundo, dnde) Quantifiers/intensifiers (muy, bastante, poco, mucho) Pronouns: subject object: direct and indirect position and order reflexive relative (que, quien, el que, el cual) disjunctive/emphatic demonstrative (ste, se, aqul, esto, eso, aquello) indefinite (algo, alguien) possessive (el mo, la ma) interrogative (cul, qu, quin) Verbs: regular and irregular forms of verbs, including reflexive verbs modes of address (t, usted) radical-changing verbs impersonal verbs verbs followed by an infinitive (with or without a preposition) perfect infinitive negative forms interrogative forms reflexive constructions (se vende, se nos dice que) uses of ser and estar tenses: present preterite imperfect future conditional perfect future perfect (R) conditional perfect (R) pluperfect passive voice: present and preterite tenses other tenses (R)
continuous tenses imperative gerund past participle subjunctive mood: present perfect imperfect pluperfect uses of subjunctive: polite commands negative commands after verbs of wishing, command, request, emotion to express purpose (para que) to express possibility/impossibility after conjunctions of time (cuando lleguemos) in conditional sentences after si all other common uses (R) Prepositions: personal a uses of por and para Conjunctions: common, including y, pero, o, porque, como, cuando Number, quantity and time: constructions with hace and desde hace
Spanish A Level
All grammar and structures listed for AS, plus: Verbs: future perfect tense conditional perfect tense passive voice: all tenses subjunctive mood: all common uses
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GCE French/German/Spanish for exams from June 2014 onwards (version 1.5)
4 Scheme of Assessment
4.1 Aims
AS and A level courses based on this specification should encourage candidates to: develop an interest in, and enthusiasm for, language learning develop understanding of the language in a variety of contexts and genres communicate confidently, clearly and effectively in the language for a range of purposes develop awareness and understanding of the contemporary society, cultural background and heritage of countries or communities where the language is spoken consider their study of the language in a broader context. AS and A level specifications in French/German/ Spanish should enable students to: derive enjoyment and benefit from language learning acquire knowledge, skills and understanding for practical use, further study and/or employment communicate with speakers of the language take their place in a multilingual global society. AS and A level specifications should also: provide a coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study for students who do not progress to further study in the subject. In addition, A level specifications in French/German/ Spanish should: provide a sufficient basis for the further study of languages at degree level or equivalent.
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GCE French/German/Spanish for exams from June 2014 onwards (version 1.5)
5 Administration
5.1 Availability of Assessment Units and Certification
After June 2013, examinations and certification for this specification are available in June only.
5.2 Entries
Please refer to the current version of Entry Procedures and Codes for up to date entry procedures. You should use the following entry codes for the units and for certification. Unit 1 FREN1; GERM1; SPAN1 Unit 2 FRE2T/V; GER2T/V; SPA2T/V Unit 3 FREN3; GERM3; SPAN3 Unit 4 FRE4T/V; GER4T/V; SPA4T/V AS certification French 1651; German 1661; Spanish 1696 A Level certification French 2651; German 2661; Spanish 2696 Centres opting for centre-conducted tests (T option) must ensure that the teacher-examiner carries out the tests in accordance with the requirements of the specification and follows the detailed instructions provided in the Instructions for the Conduct of the Examinations which is published for each examination series. AQA will not normally consider an error in the conduct of the test on the part of the teacherexaminer as justifying an application for special consideration. Candidates may be entered for either the teacherconducted option (FRE2T, GER2T, SPA2T) or the Visiting Examiner option (FRE2V, GER2V, SPA2V) but not both in any single examination series. Candidates may be entered for either the teacherconducted option (FRE4T, GER4T, SPA4T) or the Visiting Examiner option (FRE4V, GER4V, SPA4V) but not both in any single examination series.
Access Arrangements
We can make arrangements so that candidates with disabilities can access the assessment. These arrangements must be made before the examination. For example, we can produce a Braille paper for a candidate with a visual impairment.
Special Consideration
We can give special consideration to candidates who have had a temporary illness, injury or indisposition at the time of the examination. Where we do this, it is given after the examination. Applications for access arrangements and special consideration should be submitted to AQA by the Examinations Officer at the centre.
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Appendices
A Performance Descriptions
These performance descriptions show the level of attainment characteristic of the grade boundaries at A Level. They give a general indication of the required learning outcomes at the A/B and E/U boundaries at AS and A2. The descriptions should be interpreted in relation to the content outlined in the specification; they are not designed to define that content. The grade awarded will depend in practice upon the extent to which the candidate has met the Assessment Objectives (see Section 4) overall. Shortcomings in some aspects of the examination may be balanced by better performances in others.
Understand and respond, in Show knowledge of and speech and writing, to written apply accurately the grammar language. and syntax prescribed in the specification. In the context of materials appropriate to the AS specification, candidates characteristically: a) show a clear understanding of a range of written texts b) understand the main points and details, including points of view c) are able to infer meaning with only a few omissions d) are able to develop their ideas, and express points of view, with some appropriate justification e) respond readily and fluently and take the initiative (Speaking) f) have generally accurate pronunciation and intonation (Speaking) g) show the ability to organise and structure their response coherently (Writing) h) offer relevant information which addresses the requirements of the task (Writing). In the context of grammar and syntax listed in the AS specification, candidates characteristically: a) make effective use of a range of vocabulary and structures appropriate to the task b) The deployment of grammar, syntax and morphology is generally accurate c) are able to manipulate language appropriately when required.
A/B boundary In the context of materials performance appropriate to the AS descriptions specification, candidates characteristically: a) show a clear understanding of spoken language b) understand the main points and details, including points of view c) are able to infer meaning with only a few omissions d) are able to develop their ideas, and express points of view, with some appropriate justification e) respond readily and fluently and take the initiative (Speaking) f) have generally accurate pronunciation and intonation (Speaking) g) are able to deal with unpredictable elements (Speaking) h) show the ability to organise and structure their response coherently (writing) i) offer relevant information which addresses the requirements of the task (Writing).
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Assessment Objective 1 E/U boundary In the context of materials performance appropriate to the AS descriptions specification, candidates characteristically:
Assessment Objective 2 In the context of materials appropriate to the AS specification, candidates characteristically:
Assessment Objective 3 In the context of grammar and syntax listed in the AS specification, candidates characteristically:
a) show some understanding a) show some understanding a) use a restricted range of of basic, often concrete, of straightforward written vocabulary and structures spoken language, while texts, but experience b) have language experiencing difficulties difficulties with more characterised by frequent with more complex and complex and abstract errors in grammar, syntax abstract language language and morphology b) understand some of the b) understand some of the c) may be influenced by the main points and details, main points and details, first language including basic points of including limited points of d) demonstrate a very limited view view ability to manipulate c) have a limited ability to c) have a limited ability to language where required. infer meaning where infer meaning where appropriate to the task appropriate to the task d) are able to convey some basic information when transferring meaning e) may be hesitant in their response, and their fluency is mostly confined to pre-learned material. Their target language performance may be influenced by their first language (Speaking) d) are able to convey some basic information when transferring meaning e) may be hesitant in their response, and their fluency is mostly confined to pre-learned material. Their target language performance may be influenced by their first language (Speaking)
f) may have some difficulty f) may have some difficulty communicating factual communicating factual information, narrating information, narrating events and expressing events and expressing basic points of view in basic points of view in response to the task set, response to the task set, and do not always address and do not always address the requirements of the the requirements of the task (Writing) task (Writing) g) show some ability to structure and organise their response where appropriate. g) show some ability to structure and organise their response where appropriate.
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Understand and respond, in Show knowledge of and speech and writing, to written apply accurately the grammar language. and syntax prescribed in the specification. In the context of materials appropriate to the A Level specification, candidates characteristically: a) show a clear understanding of a range of written texts b) understand the main points and details, including points of view, and are able to infer meaning c) demonstrate an ability to infer meaning d) are able to transfer meaning with only minor omissions e) are able to develop their ideas, and express and justify points of view effectively f) respond readily and fluently and take the initiative (Speaking) g) have generally accurate pronunciation and intonation (Speaking) h) are able to deal appropriately with unpredictable elements (Speaking) i) show the ability to organise and structure their response coherently (Writing). In the context of materials appropriate to the A Level specification, candidates characteristically: a) make effective use of a wide range of vocabulary and a variety of complex structures as appropriate b) predominantly use grammar, syntax and morphology in an accurate way c) are able to manipulate language accurately and appropriately where required.
A/B boundary In the context of materials performance appropriate to the A Level descriptions specification, candidates characteristically: a) show a clear understanding of spoken language b) understand the main points and details, including points of view c) demonstrate an ability to infer meaning d) are able to transfer meaning with only minor omissions e) are able to develop their ideas, and express and justify points of view effectively f) respond readily and fluently and take the initiative (Speaking) g) have generally accurate pronunciation and intonation (Speaking) h) are able to deal appropriately with unpredictable elements (Speaking) i) show the ability to organise and structure their response coherently (Writing) j) offer relevant information which addresses the requirements of the task (Writing).
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Assessment Objective 1 E/U boundary In the context of materials performance appropriate to the A Level descriptions specification, candidates characteristically:
Assessment Objective 2 In the context of materials appropriate to the A Level specification, candidates characteristically:
Assessment Objective 3 In the context of grammar and syntax listed in the A Level specification, candidates characteristically:
a) show some understanding a) show some understanding a) use a restricted range of of spoken, usually of a range of written texts, vocabulary and structures. concrete, language, but usually straightforward, but The deployment of may experience difficulty may experience difficulty grammar, syntax and with more complex and with more complex and morphology contains abstract language abstract language frequent error and may be influenced by their first b) understand some of the b) understand some of the language. main points and details, main points and details, including basic points of view including basic points of view b) demonstrate a very limited ability to manipulate language correctly when required.
c) demonstrate a limited ability to infer meaning, where appropriate, to the task d) are able to convey the basic information when transferring meaning e) may be hesitant in their response, and their fluency is mostly confined to pre-learned material. Their target language performance may be influenced by their first language (Speaking)
c) demonstrate a limited ability to infer meaning, where appropriate, to the task d) are able to convey the basic information when transferring meaning e) may be hesitant in their response, and their fluency is mostly confined to pre-learned material. Their target language performance may be influenced by their first language (Speaking)
f) may have some difficulty f) may have some difficulty communicating factual communicating factual information, narrative information, narrative events and expressing events and expressing basic points of view in basic points of view in response to the task set, response to the task set, and do not always address and do not always address the requirements of the the requirements of the task appropriately (Writing) task appropriately g) show some ability to structure and organise their response, where appropriate. g) show some ability to structure and organise their response, where appropriate.
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GCE French/German/Spanish for exams from June 2014 onwards (version 1.5)
The study of French/German/Spanish provides many opportunities to develop candidates understanding of spiritual, moral and cultural issues. Through the study of the topic areas for French/ German/Spanish, candidates are able to explore the human condition in general. The content of the course encourages understanding of moral issues: candidates will face challenge in debate and study which will foster recognition and sympathetic awareness of others beliefs and values. Throughout the course candidates will be encouraged to form opinions and make judgements within the appropriate context, be these historical or contemporary, ethnic or religious. The AS topics Media, Popular Culture, Healthy Living/ Lifestyles and Family/Relationships would contribute to candidates understanding of these issues, as would the A2 topics The Multicultural Society and Contemporary Social Issues.
Environmental Education
AQA has taken account of the 1988 Resolution of the Council of the European Community and the Report Environmental Responsibility: An Agenda for Further and Higher Education 1993 in preparing this specification and associated specimen units. The A2 topic Environment would contribute to candidates understanding of environmental issues.
Avoidance of Bias
AQA has taken great care in the preparation of this specification and specimen units to avoid bias of any kind.
European Dimension
AQA has taken account of the 1988 Resolution of the Council of the European Community in preparing this specification and specimen units.
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GCE French/German/Spanish for exams from June 2014 onwards (version 1.5)
There are no overlaps with other qualifications at Level 3 of the qualifications framework.
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GCE French/German/Spanish for exams from June 2014 onwards (version 1.5)
Key Skills
Key Skills qualifications have been phased out and replaced by Functional Skills qualifications in English, Mathematics and ICT from September 2010.
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GCE French (2650) /German (2660)/ Spanish (2695) For exams from June 2014 onwards
Qualication Accreditation Number: French AS 500/2210/6 - A Level 500/2209/X German AS 500/2207/6 - A Level 500/2208/8 Spanish AS 500/2206/4 - A Level 500/2214/3 For updates and further information on any of our specications, to find answers or to ask a question: register with ASK AQA at: http://www.aqa.org.uk/help-and-contacts/ask-aqa For information on courses and events please visit: http://www.aqa.org.uk/professional-development Every specification is assigned a discounting code indicating the subject area to which it belongs for performance measure purposes. The discount codes for this specification are: French AS FKF French A Level 5650 German AS FKG German A Level 5670 Spanish AS FKS Spanish A Level 5750 The definitive version of our specification will always be the one on our website, this may differ from printed versions.
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