GCSE Spanish

[Jungfraujoch]

So DS1 (yr9) struggles with it and doesn't enjoy it.

Apparently 60% of the exam is reading/writing which is his weakness. His teacher says a LOT of effort and focus would be needed to get him to a decent grade. He wants to drop it, part of me thinks we should encourage him to really try but in the grand scheme of things does it matter?

Is he doing any other languages?

If yes, then drop this one.

If no, I'd do what I could to keep him at it. GCSE is not that onerous, and persisting with something that doesn't come naturally to you is in itself a skill worth having.

No don't let him take it. Ds (year 10) enjoyed Spanish so chose it for gcse. Now he hates it. If your ds doesn't like it now I can't imagine he will warm to it next year.

AuntieStella - not taking another language hence my feeling that he should try. He will be dropping to a lower set (but not bottom) so I think that could help a bit. Excuse my ignorance but do even the lowest sets have to sit the GCSE?

Anyone else? All comments/thoughts welcomed.

What sort of level is he working at now? Does he have any idea what he wants to do in the future?

Dec 2014 review had him working at a 4, July 2014 he was a 5. Target is a 6.

If he reached that target of 6 I'm not sure what grade GCSE that would potentially mean?

Not really any set idea of what he'd like to do although interests are computing/gaming/animation.

I just have it in my mind that it's another qualification, but if his heart is really not in it then I'd rather he chose another subject that he does enjoy and do,well in that!

Is this an A grade pupil who will get a C in Spanish?

Or a B/C grade who may get a D for Spanish?

If the former then may make sense to encourage to continue.
If the latter then I'd let him drop it.

DD1 is y11 and doing French and Spanish. She struggles with the writing/grammar side, and prepping for the CAs takes a lot of time because of it. But she enjoys them. (NB don't know how the new GCSEs affects the CA v Exam situation)

My DD is taking GCSE Spanish, and sadly is not enjoying it, although she did in Year 9. I thought it was a good idea for her to take a MFL, and I still think that was the right decision to an extent, as otherwise she would not have the opportunity to learn another language, which I think is important. Also, taking it didn't mean ruling out other subjects she is stronger in.

Thanks ladies. Mumtea for my DS I think he could choose another subject that he enjoys more and is probably stronger in bit that means no la gauge which disappoints me a bit but maybe I'm over analysing it all!!

DS enjoyed Spanish in year 9 and I encouraged him as I thought he should do a language. It is likely to be the poorest of his GCSEs. DS2 is just choosing. I won't be steering him to do it, it doesn't even teach you very much about the language & will be of no use in the future.

I agree with TeaandTween.

Thanks for all the comments. Options evening next week so will get a clear idea of whether a C or above is obtainable. If not I think he can drop it.

I teach GCSE Spanish.
The exam is 60% speaking and writing, 40% listening and Reading.

His target grade is L6, which would translate to a C at GCSE.

Thanks for the explanation Chilephilly. Given ne is currently working at a level 4, and his lack of interest in Spanish (sorry!) I think he'll struggle to reach a L6. Would you agree?

The big things to master for L6 are the preferred and future tenses. Much of this is logical pattern spotting (for the verb endings) and rote learning, but if he can learn and use the I and he/she endings and recognise the others that would put him on the way to a B/A. The big thing about learning a language is it keeps doors open and can make a difference for job/uni applications.