The loss of study time thanks to the Covid pandemic has led to some changes to the plans for exams in 2021 (only).
International GCSEs in French, German and Spanish will not feature an integral speaking test in the summer 2021 series.
Opting to take Modern Foreign Language Endorsements in 2021
Ofsted and Pearson Qualifications have now confirmed that there won’t be a speaking paper in summer 2021 in any of the IGCSEs in modern foreign languages. The assessment of the qualification will be completely based on the skills of listening, reading and writing across two papers which will now account for 100% of the International GCSE qualification. Grades will be awarded 9-1 as usual.
A separate speaking endorsement will, however, be available.
Although separate to the main qualification, the teacher-assessed endorsement will enable you to demonstrate the level you have achieved in speaking the target-language. Teachers will draw on each student’s overall speaking performance during normal speaking activities. Tutors will be asked to assess you for a pass, merit or distinction.
You do not have to take the speaking endorsement to achieve your 9 to 1 grading, however, your endorsement will appear on your certificate as “unclassified”
If you would like to take your speaking endorsement, Oxford Open Learning can help. You might need to make your examination entry via Oxford Open Learning as an internal candidate and then we will arrange to transfer your papers to the centre of your choice. This centre will charge you an additional administration fee for sitting the papers at their centre.
Oxford Open Learning will charge £160 to enter you for the exam, transfer your entry, and to assess your speaking level in your subject.
Alternatively, Oxford Open Learning will provide your endorsement grade to any examination centre that is prepared to make your entry and is happy to accept an endorsement from your Oxford Open Learning tutor.