I am a UK based Modern Foreign Languages Teacher and Head of Department with over 17 years teaching experience. I have created a wide variety of high quality resources and tracking systems (both for MFL and other subjects) over the years which in turn have allowed my students to make excellent progress. My GCSE and A-Level results are consistently in the top 10% in the country.
I am a UK based Modern Foreign Languages Teacher and Head of Department with over 17 years teaching experience. I have created a wide variety of high quality resources and tracking systems (both for MFL and other subjects) over the years which in turn have allowed my students to make excellent progress. My GCSE and A-Level results are consistently in the top 10% in the country.
This essay provides an exemplar/plan of an A* grade essay, through a critical and analytical response to the A Level 2020 writing past paper question 2 “Los tres personajes femeninos principales representan a tres tipos de mujeres muy diferentes”. Analiza esta afirmación y justifica tus ideas.’
It analyses the three main female characters of the film and what they represent, with views and conclusions supported by relevant and appropriate evidence. It evaluates the issues, themes and the cultural and social contexts of the film.
How can this resource be useful to students and teachers?
It provides accurate and detailed knowledge of the film, as well as examples of complex language with a wide range of vocabulary. Students can re-write the essay adding short linking expressions or conjunctions (also included in the resource). A highly effective way of using this essay is to create flashcards or a mind map, in order to support with revision and enhance knowledge and memory retention.
Why is complex language not demonstrated using different tenses?
Students should be reminded that the present indicative and subjunctives are the most appropriate register for this style of essay. Complex language can be shown through, for example, subordinate clauses, formation of regular and irregular verbs, use of impersonal expressions, value judgements, verb + infinitive (+ preposition) expressions, etc.
Why is there no introduction?
It is not essential to write an introduction. It is perfectly acceptable to go straight into the first point as there are no marks awarded for structure. A short or no introduction which delves straight into the essay is preferable, as it saves time without losing marks.
This essay provides an exemplar/plan of an A* grade essay, through a critical and analytical response to the A Level 2019 writing past paper question 2 ‘“El director intenta recordar y celebrar a los héroes olvidados de la resistencia española en esta película”. Analiza esta afirmación y justifica tu respuesta.’
It analyses how Del Toro tries to remember and celebrate the forgotten heroes of the Spanish resistance, with views and conclusions supported by relevant and appropriate evidence. It evaluates the issues, themes and the cultural and social contexts of the film.
How can this resource be useful to students and teachers?
It provides accurate and detailed knowledge of the film, as well as examples of complex language with a wide range of vocabulary. Students can re-write the essay adding short linking expressions or conjunctions (also included in the resource). A highly effective way of using this essay is to create flashcards or a mind map, in order to support with revision and enhance knowledge and memory retention.
Why is complex language not demonstrated using different tenses?
Students should be reminded that the present indicative and subjunctives are the most appropriate register for this style of essay. Complex language can be shown through, for example, subordinate clauses, formation of regular and irregular verbs, use of impersonal expressions, value judgements, verb + infinitive (+ preposition) expressions, etc.
Why is there no introduction?
It is not essential to write an introduction. It is perfectly acceptable to go straight into the first point as there are no marks awarded for structure. A short or no introduction which delves straight into the essay is preferable, as it saves time without losing marks.
This essay provides an exemplar/plan of an A* grade essay, through a critical and analytical response to the A Level 2018 writing past paper question 2 ‘Analiza las técnicas usadas por el director para representar el régimen de terror que predominaba en esa época de la posguerra.’
It analyses the techniques used by Del Toro to represent the regime of terror in the film, with views and conclusions supported by relevant and appropriate evidence. It evaluates the issues, themes and the cultural and social contexts of the film.
How can this resource be useful to students and teachers?
It provides accurate and detailed knowledge of the film, as well as examples of complex language with a wide range of vocabulary. Students can re-write the essay adding short linking expressions or conjunctions (also included in the resource). A highly effective way of using this essay is to create flashcards or a mind map, in order to support with revision and enhance knowledge and memory retention.
Why is complex language not demonstrated using different tenses?
Students should be reminded that the present indicative and subjunctives are the most appropriate register for this style of essay. Complex language can be shown through, for example, subordinate clauses, formation of regular and irregular verbs, use of impersonal expressions, value judgements, verb + infinitive (+ preposition) expressions, etc.
Why is there no introduction?
It is not essential to write an introduction. It is perfectly acceptable to go straight into the first point as there are no marks awarded for structure. A short or no introduction which delves straight into the essay is preferable, as it saves time without losing marks.
This essay provides an exemplar/plan of an A* grade essay, through a critical and analytical response to the A Level 2019 writing past paper question 2 ‘Analiza el papel de la Poncia. ¿Cuál es su importancia en el desarrollo del argumento?’
It analyses Poncia’s role and her importance in the development of the play with views and conclusions supported by relevant and appropriate evidence. It evaluates the issues, themes and the cultural and social contexts of the play.
How can this resource be useful to students and teachers?
It provides accurate and detailed knowledge of the play, as well as examples of complex language with a wide range of vocabulary. Students can re-write the essay adding short linking expressions or conjunctions (also included in the resource). A highly effective way of using this essay is to create flashcards or a mind map, in order to support with revision and enhance knowledge and memory retention.
Why is complex language not demonstrated using different tenses?
Students should be reminded that the present indicative and subjunctives are the most appropriate register for this style of essay. Complex language can be shown through, for example, subordinate clauses, formation of regular and irregular verbs, use of impersonal expressions, value judgements, verb + infinitive (+ preposition) expressions, etc.
Why is there no introduction?
It is not essential to write an introduction. It is perfectly acceptable to go straight into the first point as there are no marks awarded for structure. A short or no introduction which delves straight into the essay is preferable, as it saves time without losing marks.
This essay provides an exemplar/plan of an A* grade essay, through a critical and analytical response to the A Level 2020 writing past paper question 2 ‘Analiza el uso del agua como símbolo en la obra. ¿Piensas que tiene un significado positivo o negativo?’
It analyses Lorca’s use of water as a symbol, both in a positive and in a negative way, with views and conclusions supported by relevant and appropriate evidence. It evaluates the issues, themes and the cultural and social contexts of the play.
How can this resource be useful to students and teachers?
It provides accurate and detailed knowledge of the play, as well as examples of complex language with a wide range of vocabulary. Students can re-write the essay adding short linking expressions or conjunctions (also included in the resource). A highly effective way of using this essay is to create flashcards or a mind map, in order to support with revision and enhance knowledge and memory retention.
Why is complex language not demonstrated using different tenses?
Students should be reminded that the present indicative and subjunctives are the most appropriate register for this style of essay. Complex language can be shown through, for example, subordinate clauses, formation of regular and irregular verbs, use of impersonal expressions, value judgements, verb + infinitive (+ preposition) expressions, etc.
Why is there no introduction?
It is not essential to write an introduction. It is perfectly acceptable to go straight into the first point as there are no marks awarded for structure. A short or no introduction which delves straight into the essay is preferable, as it saves time without losing marks.
This essay provides an exemplar/plan of an A* grade essay, through a critical and analytical response to the A Level 2020 writing past paper question 1 ‘Analiza cómo presenta Lorca el tema de la desigualdad en la obra.’
It analyses how Lorca presents the theme of inequality in the play, with views and conclusions supported by relevant and appropriate evidence. It evaluates the issues, themes and the cultural and social contexts of the play.
How can this resource be useful to students and teachers?
It provides accurate and detailed knowledge of the play, as well as examples of complex language with a wide range of vocabulary. Students can re-write the essay adding short linking expressions or conjunctions (also included in the resource). A highly effective way of using this essay is to create flashcards or a mind map, in order to support with revision and enhance knowledge and memory retention.
Why is complex language not demonstrated using different tenses?
Students should be reminded that the present indicative and subjunctives are the most appropriate register for this style of essay. Complex language can be shown through, for example, subordinate clauses, formation of regular and irregular verbs, use of impersonal expressions, value judgements, verb + infinitive (+ preposition) expressions, etc.
Why is there no introduction?
It is not essential to write an introduction. It is perfectly acceptable to go straight into the first point as there are no marks awarded for structure. A short or no introduction which delves straight into the essay is preferable, as it saves time without losing marks.
GCSE Spanish 2018 Writing Past Paper Sentence Builders to support with exam preparation, revision, classwork or homework. This resource includes:
Foundation Question 1 - including mark schemes’ key points
Foundation Question 2 - including mark schemes’ key points
• deportes
• redes sociales
• televisión
• centro comercial
Foundation Question 4.1 / Higher Question 1.1 - including mark schemes’ key points
• qué te gusta o no te gusta de tu pueblo
• qué hiciste durante un día de excursión en tu región
• qué haces para proteger el medio ambiente
• dónde quieres vivir en el futuro
Foundation Question 4.2 / Higher Question 1.2 - including mark schemes’ key points
• qué hiciste en la fiesta
• tus ideas sobre tu novio perfecto / tu novia perfecta
• tu opinión sobre el matrimonio
• tus ambiciones para el futuro
Please note it does not include both 150 word questions from the higher paper.
2021 NOW ADDED! PDF with links and/or QR codes to practice all AQA’s GCSE French, Listening and Reading, Foundation and Higher past papers quizzes (2021 all the way back to 2011). 56 papers to support your students with revision.
I believe these can also be useful even if you use Edexcel or another exam board, as topics are similar or the same.
All quizzes are fully self-marking/self-checking either through allocation of marks in multiple choice questions, or through feedback in questions where students have to write (type).
Important: no student data is collected.
2021 NOW ADDED! In this resource you have the links to make a copy of all of Google Forms AQA’s GCSE French, Listening and Reading, Foundation and Higher past papers. 2011 to 2021 and both specimen papers. 56 papers for you to pick and choose from. It also includes Frequently Asked Questions and how to assign the quizzes, as well as how to check completion and answers.
Working through past papers is an excellent way to revise and allows students to get used to the structure of a paper and the language they use, work on time management, understand the allocation of marks and mark scheme, as well as assess their performance.
All papers are fully editable and self-marking/self-checking either through allocation of marks in multiple-choice questions, or through feedback in questions where students have to write/type.
Once students complete a past paper, all responses are collected, which allows you to check answers and see where there may be gaps in learning, in terms of question structure or content, thus informing future lesson planning.
Research from the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) states that using digital technology to support learning can add + 4 months onto student progress. By effectively integrating regular quizzes, such as these, into your Curriculum, you will not only be saving time with marking (and not having to create them in the first place), but also inducing retrieval and memory retention, thus improving student performance.
Use in remote teaching, face-to-face teaching, homework, revision, consolidation, retrieval tasks, exam-style questions’ practice, walking-talking mocks and/or assessments.
All Quizzes work very well on any device.
Here’s an example (no email addresses will be collected)
https://forms.gle/HTkr1T9SL8W731279
2021 PAPER NOW ADDED! In this resource you have the links to make a copy of all of Google Forms AQA’s GCSE Spanish, Listening and Reading, Foundation and Higher past papers. 2011 to 2021 and both specimen papers. 60 papers for you to pick and choose from. It also includes Frequently Asked Questions and how to assign the quizzes, as well as how to check completion and answers.
Working through past papers is an excellent way to revise and allows students to get used to the structure of a paper and the language they use, work on time management, understand the allocation of marks and mark scheme, as well as assess their performance.
All papers are fully editable and self-marking/self-checking either through allocation of marks in multiple-choice questions, or through feedback in questions where students have to write/type.
Once students complete a past paper, all responses are collected, which allows you to check answers and see where there may be gaps in learning, in terms of question structure or content, thus informing future lesson planning.
Research from the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) states that using digital technology to support learning can add + 4 months onto student progress. By effectively integrating regular quizzes, such as these, into your Curriculum, you will not only be saving time with marking (and not having to create them in the first place), but also inducing retrieval and memory retention, thus improving student performance.
Use in remote teaching, face-to-face teaching, homework, revision, consolidation, retrieval tasks, exam-style questions’ practice, walking-talking mocks and/or assessments.
All Quizzes work very well on any device.
Here’s an example (no email addresses will be collected)
forms.gle/85qy5P9VLqDuqYSc6
2021 PAPER NOW ADDED! PDF with links and/or QR codes to practice all AQA’s GCSE Spanish, Listening and Reading, Foundation and Higher past papers quizzes (2021 all the way back to 2011). 60 papers to support your students with revision.
I believe these can also be useful even if you use Edexcel or another exam board, as topics are similar or the same.
All quizzes are fully self-marking/self-checking either through allocation of marks in multiple choice questions, or through feedback in questions where students have to write (type).
Important: no student data is collected.
This revision pack includes a plan (and three exemplar A* essays) through a critical and analytical response for all of AQA’s A El laberinto del Fauno past paper questions from 2018 to 2022.
It analyses how Del Toro presents themes in the film, with views and conclusions supported by relevant and appropriate evidence including key quotes. It evaluates the issues, themes and the cultural and social contexts of the film.
How can this resource be useful to students and teachers?
It provides accurate and detailed knowledge of the film, as well as examples of complex language with a wide range of vocabulary. Students can write essays based on the plans adding short linking expressions or conjunctions (also included in the resource). A highly effective way of using this essay is to create flashcards or mind maps, in order to support with revision and enhance knowledge and memory retention. Teachers can also use it to teach the film.
Why is complex language not demonstrated using different tenses?
Students should be reminded that the present indicative and subjunctives are the most appropriate register for this style of essay. Complex language can be shown through, for example, subordinate clauses, formation of regular and irregular verbs, use of impersonal expressions, value judgements, verb + infinitive (+ preposition) expressions, etc.
Why are there no introductions?
It is not essential to write an introduction. It is perfectly acceptable to go straight into the first point as there are no marks awarded for structure. A short or no introduction which delves straight into the essay is preferable, as it saves time without losing marks.
This revision pack includes a plan (and three exemplar A* essays) through a critical and analytical response for all of AQA’s A Level La Casa de Bernarda Alba past paper questions from 2018 to 2022.
It analyses how Lorca presents themes in the play, with views and conclusions supported by relevant and appropriate evidence including key quotes. It evaluates the issues, themes and the cultural and social contexts of the play.
How can this resource be useful to students and teachers?
It provides accurate and detailed knowledge of the play, as well as examples of complex language with a wide range of vocabulary. Students can write essays based on the plans adding short linking expressions or conjunctions (also included in the resource). A highly effective way of using this essay is to create flashcards or mind maps, in order to support with revision and enhance knowledge and memory retention. Teachers can also use it to teach the play.
Why is complex language not demonstrated using different tenses?
Students should be reminded that the present indicative and subjunctives are the most appropriate register for this style of essay. Complex language can be shown through, for example, subordinate clauses, formation of regular and irregular verbs, use of impersonal expressions, value judgements, verb + infinitive (+ preposition) expressions, etc.
Why are there no introductions?
It is not essential to write an introduction. It is perfectly acceptable to go straight into the first point as there are no marks awarded for structure. A short or no introduction which delves straight into the essay is preferable, as it saves time without losing marks.