Dear Parents/Carers
We are writing to inform you of the mock GCSE speaking examinations which will take place shortly after our return to the academy in the new year. Exams will take place in the week commencing Monday 20th January 2025. Your child will receive their individual time slot in due course.
Please could we ask for your support in ensuring that your child fully engages with this mock process. From many years of experience, we know that practising a little and often makes a huge difference. The mock exams will take place just weeks before the real GCSE MFL speaking exams (scheduled to take place at Easter 2025) and will be the last time your child gets a chance to practise all speaking skills in exam conditions with their teacher on a one to one basis. The speaking exam is worth 25% of your child’s final grade and is the one element we have some control over. Your child has already selected the questions they might prefer to answer and just needs to prepare and practise using these example questions. Please could we urge you to encourage your child to do this by speaking aloud following the strategies we use in lessons. They should begin by focusing on their nominated theme (your child will know what this is) as these are the questions that they will definitely be asked in their exams.
We know that you may not know French/Spanish and therefore find it daunting to support your child with their preparation for this exam. For this reason, we have ensured that your child has absolutely everything they need including a copy of their chosen questions to bring home and a digital copy alongside a wealth of support and information on Google Classroom. Mrs Swinden and Miss Kelly will also be checking their emails regularly over the Christmas holidays to support students with any questions/queries they may have in the run up to this exam. This includes the opportunity to submit written responses to the questions which students can learn for their exam.
Students who prepare well for their mock speaking exam will get the most out of this opportunity and will be in an excellent position for the real thing at Easter. We look forward to hearing the wonderful responses your child is able to give as a result of their efforts.
Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Have a wonderful Christmas. Joyeux Noel ! ¡Feliz Navidad!
Yours faithfully
Sarah Swinden Hannah Kelly
Heads of Modern Foreign Languages