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S05 Update on qualifications

Date: February 26, 2010
Location: Nottingham Trent University
Event type: Workshop

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Summary

At a time when many schools offer languages solely as an option in Years 10 and 11, it is more vital than ever to ensure that pupils can access a course which suits their needs. However, the changes to GCSE, and the opportunities offered by the new Diploma in Languages and International Communication, can seem a little overwhelming for teachers!

The Update on qualifications course will provide you with an overview of the new GCSE including the key changes common to all exam boards and some differences between them. During the day you will have the chance to reflect on the changes to assessments in all skill areas and discuss departmental choices with other colleagues. In light of the changes to exam criteria, you will have the opportunity to dissect, reflect on and discuss:

• Effective teaching and learning at GCSE
• How students can achieve success by making the most of what they know
• Building on effective KS3 practice at GCSE
• Implications for KS3 practice 

During the day you will also gain a thorough understanding of the new Diploma for 14 to 19 year olds which will be offered from September 2011 at three levels in a wide choice of languages. You will find out where PLTS and Functional Skills fit in with the Diploma and learn more about the principal, generic and additional / specialist learning in it, before reflecting on learners for whom it might be suitable at your school. 

With engagement and attainment in Languages now being measured in school league tables it is vital that schools make the right decisions about post-14 options. If you are currently teaching GCSE, or teaching KS3 with a view to the future, this course will leave you with great ideas on how to make pupils’ post-14 language learning experience a successful one!

Target audience

• All Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 language teachers
• Newly qualified teachers
• Subject leaders
• Aspiring subject leaders

Programme

The course aims to:

• Introduce you to the new GCSE and how to prepare your students.
• Gain an understanding of the structure and content of the diploma, and encourage discussion about your particular context and how suitable this qualification is for some learners in your school.

Each participant will receive a USB stick containing all the course materials including Powerpoints and a variety of resources which can be used to disseminate training to colleagues.

Trainer

Name: Juliet Park

This course will be delivered by Juliet Park. Juliet is a Regional Advisor and Lead Practitioner for SSAT. She speaks regularly at regional and national events, in particular on alternative qualifications and the new curriculum. She is also Director of Languages at Yewlands, where she has tripled uptake and attainment through the NVQ pathway and through fully funded work experience trips abroad. Juliet supports teachers wishing to set up the NVQ with Assessor training. She has written case studies, as well as authoring materials for CILT and co-writing a new scheme of work for year 7s in line with the new curriculum and the new KS3 framework.

Cost

• In order to cover our direct costs, e.g. catering and guest speaker expenses, we charge £50 to attend this event.
• Refreshments will be provided.
• Each participant will receive a USB stick containing all the course materials including PowerPoints and a variety of resources which can be used to disseminate training to colleagues.
• Once you have registered to attend an event, you will be contacted by your regional Links administrator who will send you payment instructions.
• Full details of our charging policy are available.