GCSEs in First Languages

Secondary schools in Wokingham encourage students with English as an additional language to take GCSEs in their first languages. This brings a range of educational and social benefits, including cognitive advantages, enhanced communication skills, raised self-esteem and motivation.

Newly arrived students, particularly those who have good literacy skills in their first language, find that they can attain very good grades at GCSE.

Recently schools have entered students for GCSEs in the following first languages:

General information and guidance documents

Below you will find various documents with information and guidance on first language GCSEs:

• First language GCSE - entry process flowchart (PDF document)
• Timeline for preparing students - from The Emmbrook School (PDF document)
• First language GCSEs in Wokingham - Achievements and considerations (PDF document)
• Information about speakers who can support the speaking test (PDF document)
• Urdu resources list (PDF document)

Writing paper

Below you will find documents with information and guidance relating to the writing paper.

The writing examples documents include examples of students' writing of differing standards, with comments from examiners. Note: These examples pre-date existing exam specifications.

• Writing examples - Arabic (PDF document)
• Writing examples - Polish (PDF document)
• Writing examples - Greek (PDF document)
• Writing example - Urdu (PDF document)