10
Modern Languages - Russian Examination Board
Edexcel
GCSE Type
GCSE
Specification No.
2Ru01
What is GCSE Russian? The Russian GCSE course provides a valuable opportunity to discover the language and culture of Russia. This is an ab initio course (i.e. it requires no previous knowledge of Russian), but the standard required by the GCSE exams is the same as for the other languages. The pace, therefore, is very brisk, but progress is smooth and rapid: we would expect virtually all pupils to achieve at least a Grade 8, and the vast majority get Grade 9. During the course, pupils will develop their language skills in three key areas: grammatical awareness, comprehension and communication. As a result, pupils will become capable of understanding the language in a variety of registers as well as writing and speaking it accurately and increasingly fluently. The development of their language skills will take place within a framework of topics and issues of interest and relevance to pupils and to young people in Russia.
What skills are involved/developed through the course? This course equips pupils with a number of key transferable skills such as: communication (oral and written); analytical and logical thinking; creativity; literacy; independent learning; cultural and geographical awareness; team work; presentation skills.
GCSE Specification Years 10 and 11 Unit/Topic
Assessment
Paper 1
Listening and Understanding
Paper 2
Speaking
Paper 3
Reading and Understanding
Paper 4
Writing
Nature and timings of assessment The GCSE examinations take place at the end of the course.
What sort of pupil does it suit and what will they get out of the course? Given its accelerated nature, this course is particularly suitable for pupils who have enjoyed success in other languages. Well-motivated, enthusiastic, culturally aware and well-organised pupils should cope comfortably with the demands of the GCSE course. GCSE Russian will go some way towards providing pupils with the language skills that are currently so sought after by a range of employers. The course will also offer you the chance to broaden pupils’ cultural horizons and thus equip them to impress university admissions tutors when the time comes.