Pupils might feel a bit like “where do I start?” or think that it’s not possible to revise for MFL but effective revision at this stage will be the crucial difference.

THE FIRST QUESTION THEY NEED TO ASK IS WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?

As exams get closer vocabulary and de-coding texts, both written and spoken, needs to be the focus, therefore the more words they know/recognise but also the more skills they have to work out the words they don’t know is imperative.

THE SECOND QUESTION WOULD BE HOW SHOULD I DO IT?

They should have a good idea of what works and doesn’t work for them in terms of revision and learning. If not, they need to find out quick! Maybe guide those who are unsure to take a test online – they have precious hours, wasting them is not an option!

  • Use GCSE Vocabulary booklet – skim through and mentally check off words you are confident with and make a note/list of ones you didn’t know.

  • Find as many new words as you can – and write them out over and over until you have memorised them.

  • Break each larger topic (remember there are 5) down into smaller topics and create a mind map/ list of vocab for each one.
  • Read, cover, write, check – as you try to learn.
  • Invest in a GCSE text book or borrow one from your teacher and make notes on any unfamiliar vocab as you go through.
  • Write the words you are struggling to remember on flashcards and stick them places you will see them regularly.
  • Write a list of vocab that groups together – you could try different categories like synonyms, opposites, cognates, false friends, words that have same prefix/suffix.

  • Create flashcards for the most tricky words.

Useful Websites
www.wix.com/barrbeacon/gcse-german 
www.bbc.co.uk/gcsebitesize 
www.languagesonline.org.uk 
www.s-cool.co.uk/gcse/ 
www.revisionworld.com/gcse-revision
www.cram.com