3 things I like about the new MFL GCSEs

I grumble a lot about the prescribed vocab lists (and I'm sure I'm not the only one) but there are a few things that I do actually like about the new exams.

So, here are 3 things I like about the new French, German and Spanish GCSEs:

1. The rubrics being in English.

I think for the writing and speaking in particular, it is so much better to have the instructions in English. It makes it much clearer for the students, and they are being tested on their ability to produce language, rather than it being a comprehension test on top of a speaking/writing exam.

2. Only vocab from the prescribed lists and glossaries for reading/listening.

It will make a huge difference, especially for foundation students, to know that there won't be a piece of random vocabulary in the reading or listening exams that will completely throw them off. As long as they learn the vocab on the list (which I know they're not all going to do!), they have a good chance of understanding and therefore being able to answer all of the questions.

3. The role-plays in general are so much better.

The Edexcel ones in particular are great, as they have specific scenarios, they actually feel quite realistic in terms of things that people might need to have a conversation about if they visit another country, and the rubrics in English are much clearer! The role-plays in the last spec were so confusing and I'm sure lots of students lost marks on what should be an easy full mark task for most candidates.