1. Launch & Support GCSE Modern Languages:
French, German, Irish and Spanish
February/March 2017

2. Agenda Revision of GCSE Qualifications (for first teaching September 2017)
Introduction
Overview of new Specification
Specimen Assessment Materials (SAMs)
Support Materials
Q&A

3. Accreditation Process
Regulatory Framework
General Conditions of Recognition
CCEA will ensure that each qualification offered is fit for purpose
Accreditation Process
N Ireland GCE and GCSE Qualifications Criteria
Two-stage process
Stage 1: submission of qualification strategies for approval
Stage 2: submission of qualification materials for review and accreditation

4. Qualification Strategies
CONTENT - Rationale for the proposed:
inclusion of internal assessment, where relevant
weighting of internal and external assessment
wording and weighting of assessment objectives
assessment of mathematical skills: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Business Studies
assessment of QWC and
subject content

5. Qualification Strategies
ASSESSMENT – Rationale for the:
subject content for Specimen Assessment Materials (SAMs)
content in assessments ensuring full coverage over the lifetime of the qualification
duration of examination papers
allocation of marks in examination papers, where appropriate
number and type of questions in examination papers, where appropriate
word limit or time limit for internal assessment and
allocation of marks for internal assessment

6. Specification and Specimen Assessment Material (SAMs)
The Northern Ireland Regulator will carry out:
an administrative review
a subject-specific review
a review of regulatory requirements

7. Collaborative Approach to the Revision
Desk top Research
Writing Teams
Teachers
Higher Education
Consultation
Existing Specifications
Draft Specifications
Consultation with students
Relevant content
Prepared for further study/work

8. Quality Assurance
Higher Education - A Level Content Advisory Board (ALCAB) criteria, Higher Education Panel and Subject Advisory Team
Industry - Industry Panel and Subject Advisory Team
Teachers - Subject Advisory Team
Equality Panel - Access for all
Final CCEA Quality Assurance panel - Review of consultation comment logs and comment logs associated with all QA panels

9. Quality Assurance Equality Panel Final CCEA Quality Assurance panel
Access for all
Final CCEA Quality Assurance panel
Review of consultation comment logs
Review of comment logs associated with all QA panels
Only when CCEA Quality Assurance panel is satisfied that all issues raised have been appropriately addressed will the Specification and Sample Assessment material be submitted for accreditation

10. GCSE (Modern Languages)
Unique features
Employability
This is a unitised course with two units [R & W] available from Summer 2018, all units available from Summer 2019
[NB 40% terminal rule]
The AOs match the Units
AO1: Unit 1 Listening %
AO2: Unit 2 Speaking 25%
AO3: Unit 3 Reading %
AO4: Unit 4 Writing %
Listening, Reading and Writing units have Foundation and Higher tier entry and there is flexibility with mixed tier entry/re-sit [once]
Candidates can prepare for one of their two Speaking conversation topics in advance of the examination
The qualification builds on the Northern Ireland Curriculum at Key Stage 3 [Specification Section 1]
The qualification supports progression to AS and A level study
The qualification aims to provide candidates with knowledge, understanding and skills as a basis for further learning opportunities and career progression
The qualification is a potential pathway into further and/or higher education, vocational training and a range of careers

11. Assessment Objectives
There are four assessment objectives each weighted at 25%.
Candidates must:
understand and respond to different types of spoken language [AO1];
communicate and interact effectively in speech [AO2];
understand and respond to different types of written language [AO3]; and
communicate in writing [AO4].

12. GCSE Modern Languages 3.1 Contexts for Learning
3.2.1 Context for Learning 1:
Identity, Lifestyle and Culture
Myself, my family, relationships and choices
Social media and new technology
Free time, leisure and daily routine
Culture, customs, festivals and celebrations

13. GSCE Modern Languages 3.1 Contexts for Learning
3.2.2 Context for Learning 2:
Local, National, International and Global
Areas of Interest
My local area and the wider environment
Community involvement
Social and global issues
Travel and tourism

14. GSCE Modern Languages 3.1 Contexts for Learning
3.2.3 Context for Learning 3:
School Life, Studies and the World of Work
My studies and school life
Extra-curricular activities
Part-time jobs and money management
Future plans and career

15. Specification at a glance
Content
Assessment
Unit 1: Listening [F & H tier]
Unit 2: Speaking [single tier]
Unit 3: Reading [F & H tier]
Unit 4: Writing [F & H tier]
External examination marked by CCEA
External examination, teacher-conducted and marked by CCEA

16. Specification at a glance
Content
Assessment
Unit 1: Listening [F & H tier] %
Candidates answer 12 questions
Section A has 8 questions [English]
Section B has 4 questions [TL]
There are four common questions
Responses include:
selection
gap-filling
answering questions in English
answering in the Target Language
External examination paper
Available from Summer 2019
Foundation tier 35 minutes approx.
Higher tier 45 minutes approx.

17. Specification at a glance
Content
Assessment
Unit 2: Speaking [single tier] %
Each examination includes:
two role-plays, both from the same Context for Learning; and
a general conversation on two topics, one from each of the other two Contexts for Learning
Pre-release of Conversation Topic 1 title via the CCEA subject micro site in the September prior to the Summer exam
One teacher-conducted examination marked by CCEA - available from Summer 2019
One hour preparation session, in normal class time, using a Candidate Preparation Sheet
10 minute preparation time using Candidate Role-play Response Sheet - each role-play lasts up to 2 minutes
Within the general conversation, each topic lasts up to 4 minutes
Teacher must record, authenticate and submit all evidence to CCEA

18. Specification at a glance
Content
Assessment
Unit 3: Reading [F & H tier] %
Candidates answer 12 questions
Section A has 8 questions [English]
Section B has 4 questions [TL]
There are four common questions
Responses include:
selection
gap-filling
answering questions in English
answering in the Target Language
translating short sentences from TL into English
External examination paper
Available from Summer 2018
Foundation tier 50 minutes
Higher tier 1 hour

19. Specification at a glance
Content
Assessment
Unit 4: Writing [F & H tier] %
Candidates answer four questions
There is one common question Responses include:
a listing and short phrase question in TL [F tier only]
a short phrase/sentence response question [F & H tier]
short responses in TL to one or more pieces of text [H tier only]
translation of short sentences from English into TL [F & H tier]
one structured, extended writing task in TL from a choice of three [F & H tier]
External examination paper
Available from Summer 2018
Foundation tier 1 hour
Higher tier 1 hour 15 minutes

20. Specimen Assessment Materials (SAMS)
Overview of the SAMs:
Specimen Question Papers
Unit 1 Listening Foundation Tier minutes approx.
Unit 1 Listening Higher Tier minutes approx.
Unit 2 Speaking Role-playing Situations each up to 2 mins.
Unit 3 Reading Foundation Tier minutes
Unit 3 Reading Higher Tier hour
Unit 4 Writing Foundation Tier hour
Unit 4 Writing Higher Tier hour 15 minutes

21. Specimen Assessment Materials (SAMS)
Overview of the SAMs:
Specimen Mark Schemes
General Marking Instructions
Unit 1 Listening Foundation Tier Mark Scheme, Transcript
Unit 1 Listening Higher Tier Mark Scheme, Transcript
Unit 2 Speaking Role-playing Situations Teacher’s Booklet
Unit 3 Reading Foundation Tier Mark Scheme
Unit 3 Reading Higher Tier Mark Scheme
Unit 4 Writing Foundation Tier Mark Scheme
Unit 4 Writing Higher Tier Mark Scheme

22. GCSE Support Sample assessment materials
Type of Support
Date
Sample assessment materials
Rolling basis from January 2017
Student guides/subject Snapshots
Microsites
Planning Frameworks
Fact files
Rolling basis from March 2017
Bespoke Materials
Support Events
Ongoing

23. Support Specification Specimen Assessment Materials [SAMs]
Support days for teachers
Guidance for teachers
Guidance for candidates
Past papers and Mark Schemes
Chief Examiner’s reports
FAQs
Centre support visits

24. Support Specification – Appendix 4 Minimum Core Vocabulary
Resources – some [legacy] resources will be retained on the microsite, as appropriate
Planning Frameworks [all four units]
Fact Files [all main skill areas]
PowerPoint presentations [all main skill areas]
Activity sheets [linked to the PowerPoints]
Specification clarification information: Q&A

25. Why choose CCEA?
We support Learners - CCEA puts the learner at the centre of everything we do. We think about what learners need for life and work and then build solutions to meet those needs. We do this for the entire curriculum – from Foundation and Early Years to A level and beyond.
We are Local - CCEA is Northern Ireland’s awarding body. We understand local needs and we are focused on providing services and products for learners in Northern Ireland. This also means we’re near you, should you need help or support.
We are Listening - CCEA listens to those who use its products and services; this means listening to teachers, employers and learners, and taking action to ensure better outcomes for learners. This approach ensures that we develop relevant, high quality and innovative specifications and support.

26. Working with CCEA The benefits:
teacher cover provided [as appropriate]
first-hand experience of how the examining system works
user insight to the standards required for the assessment
opportunity to examine assessments across a range of abilities
improved learning and teaching outcomes
creates links with CCEA personnel/subject officer/NICILT
opportunity to network with other professionals
provides recognition and enhances the professional development of teachers
Examiners and moderators are vital to the success of the examining system
Teachers provide expert knowledge of the specification content
Understanding of the capabilities of the candidature at a specific level

27. Keeping you informed The ReVision microsite – ccea.org.uk/therevision
Essential updates
Specifications & SAMs
Monthly e-Vision newsletter
Subject specific e-alerts Face to face
Social media
Twitter @ccea_info
Facebook ccea.info
Don’t forget to register for your updates on the microsite – ‘keep up to date’ section

28. Contacts: GCSE Modern Languages
Education Manager [with overall responsibility for GCSE]: Eileen Lisk
Telephone: Ext 2255
Education Manager: Seán McNally
Telephone: Ext 2325
Subject Support Officer: Joan Jennings
Telephone: Ext 2552
Specification, sample assessment and support materials available on the subject microsite at

29. Your feedback …..

30. Questions and Answers