FCSE – MFL

Specification at a glance

FCSE Modern Foreign Languages

AQA is introducing an exciting qualification called FCSE (Foundation Certificate of Secondary Education).

Who is it for?

• FCSE fills a gap: teachers told us that pupils who learn a Modern Foreign Language up to the end of Key Stage 3, but choose not to continue, have nothing to show for 3 (or more) years of language learning.
• FCSE is suitable for a wide age range:
  • primary
  • Key Stage 3 (years 7–9)
  • Key Stage 4 (years 10–11)
  • adult learners.

What do they learn?

• FCSE is available in:
  • French and Spanish (from September 2007 – first phase schools only)
  • Chinese (Mandarin), French, Spanish, Italian and German (from September 2008 – for all).
• Material routinely taught at KS3 is assessed: no prescribed content or vocabulary.
• Twelve units are arranged in four themes, corresponding to current GCSE themes.
• FCSE includes all four language skills:
  • listening
  • speaking
  • reading
  • writing.

How are pupils assessed?

• We provide externally-set, centre-assessed assignments in Listening and Reading. We plan to provide on-screen tests soon.
• Listening and Reading specimen materials in all four languages are available, see Key documents at the top of this page.
• Teachers set and mark the Speaking and Writing assignments. If teachers prefer not to set their own, they can use assignments supplied by us.
• There are three levels of award:
  • Pass
  • Merit
  • Distinction
  covering National Curriculum Levels 4, 5 and 6.

Versatile, flexible and manageable

• Pupils attempt assignments when a topic has been covered, at different stages in the course, and can re-take if required.
• Practice assignments are available.
• Teachers choose which units to cover and send us evidence from three of them for moderation.
• Administrative procedures are simple: paperwork is minimal and under the teacher's control.
• As an alternative to completing the full qualification, individual units can be studied and accredited through AQA's Unit Award Scheme

Further information

• FCSE video (8.8MB)
• Transcript
• Video help
• Flyer