Can I study Japanese at GCSE?

I'm taking my exams in late May of 2016 and I want to take an extra language on top of my subjects. I'm planning on taking Japanese but I want to know whether that's possible.

I was wondering if anyone could tell me about what exact material I will need to learn so I don't miss anything, how I apply to take the exam because my school doesn't take Japanese? Plus do I need to do any coursework?

Is it possible to learn everything I need when I'll be learning myself or do I absolutely NEED a teacher? If someone could please answer this in detail I would be so happy, thank you :biggrin:

Reply 1

Edosawr

Uhm, I don't think 5/6 months is enough time to learn sufficient Japanese for a decent grade on top of all the other exams you'll have. You'd need a teacher most likely. You will have to do 4 pieces of coursework, 2 speaking and 2 writing.

I mean it's possible to do this but I wouldn't if I were you. There are much more important things. PLUS! It costs money!

EDIT: not sure how to apply for it, try the AQA website or any other GCSE exam board!

Reply 2

luciie

I don't really know anything about it myself, but here's some info :smile:

http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/japanese-2009.html

(edited 8 years ago)

Reply 3

Compost

Original post by You-got-no-jams

Japanese GCSE is offered by Edexcel, all the details are here: http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/japanese-2009.html It is assessed by a speaking test and then 3 timetabled exams (reading, listening & writing). Your school may be willing to enter you for the GCSE if they don't think it's a waste of everyone's time, (I infer from your post that you don't currently know Japanese - is this correct?) (Alternatively, you can try to find a different exam centre (=any secondary school or college) alternatively willing to accept you as a private candidate.

If you want to enter for it then you or the centre will have to find a Japanese speaker willing and able to conduct the speaking test.

The entry deadline is 21 February.

Reply 4

elizaaaaaas

I'm not sure but I think edexcel offers it as mentioned above ^ btw are you an ARMY? :colondollar:

ignore me if you're not ..

Reply 5

You-got-no-jams

Original post by elizaaaaaas

I'm not sure but I think edexcel offers it as mentioned above ^ btw are you an ARMY? :colondollar:

ignore me if you're not ..

Sorry for not replying sooner, indeed I am an ARMY 😬

Reply 6

You-got-no-jams

Original post by Compost

Thank you for providing me with all the information, I really appreciate it 🙂

Reply 7

You-got-no-jams

Original post by Edosawr

Thank you for the advice but you don't have to learn the language completely to pass an exam in it.

I believe I would be able to learn the Japanese I need for the test in time because I learnt my whole French vocabulary in less than a month which is over 2000 words.

But because of the short entry date I'm going to wait to enter until I'm in sixth form and take it during my A levels. Thank you for your post though

Reply 8

elizaaaaaas

Original post by You-got-no-jams

Sorry for not replying sooner, indeed I am an ARMY 😬

Your username caught my eye! Hahaha. I want to learn Japanese as well but I only know a few words, mainly learnt from animes. Good luck!

Reply 9

Eigo_Jin

You have to study very very hard for it. I had to give up on Japanese GCSE in order to at least pass my astronomy GCSE. If you go on the edexcel website, there is a pdf with all the vocabulary and grammar points you need to learn as well as the spec. Also, you need a teacher that can speak Japanese so you can practice and conduct the speaking and listening test.
Good luck!
Btw, I'm an ARMY too!!!!