Some students may feel a little nervous at the prospect of planning, writing and performing their non-exam spoken language presentation in front of others.
Getting ahead with planning, sharing a logical process and including lots of practice creates a positive attitude and empowers students with the skills to achieve their potential.
Contents
- What is the GCSE English Language non-exam spoken language assessment?
- How can I help my students to improve their spoken language skills?
- What resources do I need to prepare my students for spoken language assessment?
- Official GCSE English Language non-exam spoken language assessment resources.
What is the GCSE English Language non-exam spoken language assessment?
This assessment requires students to deliver an individual speech presentation and answer related questions. The specification states that the presentation should be no longer than 10 minutes in length for both the presentation and questions to take place.
As a result, it’s likely that the presentation should be around 2 or 3 minutes with time to respond to questions afterwards built in.
AQA has outlined that the presentation is:
‘The final assessment of the student’s learning journey in spoken language communication. It is an important milestone in a student’s educational career as its separate reporting emphasises.’
Students are awarded a pass, merit or distinction grade for this aspect of their exam assessment. There are resources available - linked below - to help with all of this assessment process.
How can I help my students strengthen their spoken language skills?
Any opportunity to provide space for speaking and listening will help students advance on their spoken language confidence journey. A good way into the skill set for many pupils is to build fluency and expand vocabulary through classroom games and activities.
It’s also helpful to explore the types of skills that are relevant to speech writing and performance, such as aptitude with persuasive techniques.
Introducing persuasive techniques for GCSE spoken language
Why not begin by trying this persuasive techniques game?
Then, move on to a deeper analysis of persuasive techniques with these activities:
- Persuasive writing skills
- Writing to argue and persuade: techniques
- Language techniques and effects: how to analyse
- Rhetorical devices – definitions and activities
Adding in descriptive techniques for depth
Some students may want to employ descriptive passages into their writing for deliberate effect. If so, these resources could be a great support:
- Develop descriptive writing skills - student guide
- DAFOREST techniques grid & activities
- Impressive imagery
Speech performance: tone, voice and facial expression
Another useful pathway for helping students become more proficient in spoken language is to work on ‘soft skills’, such as voice, tone and facial expression.
Empower your students to gain a greater understanding of speech capabilities with these resources:
What resources do I need to prepare my students for spoken language assessment?
The first stage of preparation is to consider how to teach the topic of spoken language. This means thinking about the students you have in your classroom and which ways they best like to learn.
Here is a resource with lots of engaging ideas to help you draw your students in to spoken language study and master the different aspects of the process:
Then, it’s time to explore the kinds of topics your students want to research and speak about in their presentation.
This resource has lots of ideas to support students as they choose the topic they feel passionate about:
Try the following activities to deepen your students’ understanding of speech construction, effective techniques, persuasive construction and audience engagement:
- The great debate
- Make a better speech
- Writing a commemorative speech
- Speech analysis practice: Greta Thunberg
It may also be helpful for students to gain knowledge around the specifics of spoken language assessment and what elements are important for a successful speech.
Use this self assessment resource with a practice speech your students are working on in class to improve their understanding of assessment and what it actually involves:
Speaking and listening self assessment
Browse more resources in our arguments and persuasive texts section.
Official GCSE English Language non-exam spoken language assessment resources
The official information about this assessment is:
‘GCSE English Language has an endorsed component covering spoken language.
This endorsement is reported as a separate grade (Pass, Merit, Distinction or Not Classified) and will not contribute to the result of the GCSE English Language qualification.’
Find notes and guidance, including how to approach this assessment from planning to using the mark scheme, through the following link:
