AQA GCSE French, German and Spanish - Making the evidence-based choice - Switching to AQA

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by awa

AQA GCSE French, German and Spanish presents a rationale for studying languages and explains why switching to AQA supports learners. It highlights cognitive, cultural and employability benefits, including improved confidence, communication and transferable workplace skills. The document also outlines assessment impact across all four exam papers—Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing—emphasising fairness, accessibility, predictable task types and structured writing that enables thinking, reflection and self-correction.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages23

Reading Time58 min

AccessFree to download

Why study languages?

For our future selves

For future opportunities

Assessment impact at a glance

Paper 1 – Listening

Paper 2 – Speaking

Paper 3 – Reading

Paper 4 – Writing

Paper 1: Listening types

Paper 2: Speaking

Role-play

Reading aloud

AQA GCSE French, German and Spanish Making the evidence-based choice: Switching to AQA Copyright © 2026 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. 1 Why study languages? For our future selves 􀀹 Scientists believe knowledge of a second language can boost your brain power alongside enhancing your analytical and creative skills and improving your cognitive development 􀀹 Speaking another language uncovers new ways of seeing the world and seeing the world through someone else’s eyes 􀀹 Knowledge of another language can help unlock a different culture and society 􀀹 Speaking another language shows you’re not afraid of making mistakes – you are constantly learning to improve and enhance your skills and knowledge 􀀹 A recent study shows that nearly one in two adults who cannot have a conversation in a modern language regret not engaging more with languages at school Copyright © 2026 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. 􀀹 Learning a new language means overcoming your shyness, developing confidence and improving your communication skills 􀀹 Learning another language improves our aptitude for study itself, especially our listening and communication abilities 􀀹 Language influences culture and being able to speak another language can help you better understand the world 􀀹 Speaking another language helps break down cultural barriers and encourages better understanding of different people’s perspectives 2 Why study languages? For future opportunities 􀀹 It’s very easy to take notice of excuses like “English is the world language” to stop us seeing the value of learning a second language. In an increasingly globalised world, languages are seen as currency or stock in the workplace – the more you speak, the higher your value rises 􀀹 Employers believe knowledge of a second language boosts your employability – demand for languages skills is booming in the global job market 􀀹 Studying a language fits nicely with the majority of subject choices for current and future study 􀀹 Knowing the language means you can travel beyond the tourist trails and have an authentic experience of another culture Copyright © 2026 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. 􀀹 Learning another language helps you to develop really useful transferable skills, like being a good communicator, having an ability to listen and also confidence in delivering presentations in the workplace. These are the things that give your overall confidence levels a boost and add value to your CV 􀀹 Employers often rank language skills as a high priority when recruiting 􀀹 Speaking another language can help you to stand out from the crowd in a multitude of career paths 􀀹 Knowledge of another language can help unlock a different culture and society 􀀹 Speaking another language helps you to be more confident when travelling and exploring the world, allowing you to be fully immersed in local life 3 Assessment impact at a glance Why AQA works for learners across all four exam papers Paper 1 – Listening Reduces cognitive load so all learners can demonstrate genuine listening skills fairly. Paper 3 – Reading Accessible texts and tasks assess reading skills accurately without unnecessary barriers. Paper 2 – Speaking Authentic, flexible assessment builds confidence, inclusion and fairness in spoken communication. Paper 4 – Writing Predictable, structured writing tasks allow time to think, reflect and self-correct for accuracy. Copyright © 2026 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. 4 Paper 1: Reduces cognitive load so all learners can demonstrate genuine listening skills fairly. Copyright © 2026 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. Listening 5 types AQA guarantees defined and predictable task types, using familiar formats to ensure learner confidence. The following list includes all task types used in papers . 􀀹 Select a letter, letters or number from a list of options 􀀹 Choose Positive/Negat

FAQs

Why does the document argue students should study languages?

It links language study to brain and cognitive benefits, broader cultural understanding, and continuous learning through making mistakes. It also cites evidence that many adults regret not engaging more with languages at school.

How does AQA aim to support learners in Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing?

It emphasises assessment designs that reduce barriers and cognitive load, use accessible texts and authentic communication, and provide predictable, structured tasks. The goal is fair, accurate measurement of skills across the four papers.

What does the document say about the task types for Listening?

It states that AQA uses defined, predictable formats with familiar option structures. Examples include letter/number selection, multiple choice, time-frame choices (P/N/F), statement selection, gap completion with an English word, and dictation.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by awa