This is for guidance only. The JFLLC cannot take any responsibility for the changes to the information below. Please contact the exam board directly for the latest information.
GCSE JAPANESE Edexcel
Examination code:
Japanese A 1752 (4 skills)
Japanese B 1753 (3 skills)
The Student GCSE Guide provides a straightforward explanation of the GCSE system
Please click here for general advice for teachers starting GCSE Japanese for the first time.
Private Candidates
If you are not registered at a school or college but wish to sit for the GCSE in Japanese please download the entry form below, and call Excel on 0870 2409800 should you have any further queries.
http://edexcel--5571.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/edexcel__5571.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php
Features:
A single tier GCSE exam.
Japanese A 1752 (4 skills):
All 4 skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing are tested and each component represents 25% of the total mark.
Japanese B 1753 (3 skills):
There are 3 equally weighted papers:
Paper 1 - listening
Paper 3 - reading
Paper 4 - writing
There is separate, optional certification of the oral (Japanese A).
PLEASE NOTE:
From 2003, use of dictionary will not be permitted in any of the papers.
The oral is compulsory if GCSE Japanese represents a pupil's National Curriculum requirement for Modern Languages in Key Stage 4. If private candidates wish to take the 4 skills examination they must ensure that their examination centre is able to provide a teacher-examiner to conduct the speaking test.
Suitable for:
Secondary school pupils, adults
Recommended number of contact hours:
Not stipulated. Depends on the pupils and their starting point.
Kanji requirement:
Candidates will be expected to know 200 kanji (recognition and production).
Recommended coursebook:
None
Please click here for a list of useful resources for teaching GCSE Japanese
Method of Assessment:
Terminal examination
Grades awarded:
G - A*.
Documents to request from the Board:
Specification, Specimen Paper and past papers can be ordered from Edexcel Publications, Adamsway, Mansfield, Notts NG18 4LN.
Tel: 01623 467 467 Fax: 01623 450 481
Email:publications@linneydirect.com
Exam Board contact details:
Edexcel Foundation, Stewart House, 32 Russell Square, London WC1B 5DN
Customer Response Centre 0870 240 9800
Fax: General enquiries 020 7758 6960 / Entries & Certification 020 7758 6920, 21, 22
Email: enquiries@edexcel.org.uk
Web: http://www.edexcel.org.uk
A single tier GCSE exam.
Japanese A 1752 (4 skills):
All 4 skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing are tested and each component represents 25% of the total mark.
Japanese B 1753 (3 skills):
There are 3 equally weighted papers:
Paper 1 - listening
Paper 3 - reading
Paper 4 - writing
There is separate, optional certification of the oral (Japanese A).
PLEASE NOTE:
From 2003, use of dictionary will not be permitted in any of the papers.
The oral is compulsory if GCSE Japanese represents a pupil's National Curriculum requirement for Modern Languages in Key Stage 4. If private candidates wish to take the 4 skills examination they must ensure that their examination centre is able to provide a teacher-examiner to conduct the speaking test.
Suitable for:
Secondary school pupils, adults
Recommended number of contact hours:
Not stipulated. Depends on the pupils and their starting point.
Kanji requirement:
Candidates will be expected to know 200 kanji (recognition and production).
Recommended coursebook:
None
Please click here for a list of useful resources for teaching GCSE Japanese
Method of Assessment:
Terminal examination
Grades awarded:
G - A*.
Documents to request from the Board:
Specification, Specimen Paper and past papers can be ordered from Edexcel Publications, Adamsway, Mansfield, Notts NG18 4LN.
Tel: 01623 467 467 Fax: 01623 450 481
Email:publications@linneydirect.com
Exam Board contact details:
Edexcel Foundation, Stewart House, 32 Russell Square, London WC1B 5DN
Customer Response Centre 0870 240 9800
Fax: General enquiries 020 7758 6960 / Entries & Certification 020 7758 6920, 21, 22
Email: enquiries@edexcel.org.uk
Web: http://www.edexcel.org.uk
GCE AS JAPANESE Edexcel
Examination code: 8624
Click here for information about changes to the specification
The Student AS/A Level Guide provides a straightforward explanation of the examination system
Private Candidates
If you are not registered at a school or college but wish to sit for the AS/ A level in Japanese please download the entry form below, and call Excel on 0870 2409800 should you have any further queries.
http://www.edexcel.org.uk/VirtualContent/80624/24_Form_02.pdf
PLEASE NOTE:
AS students must take Unit 1. A2 students must take Units 1 and 2; students may take both units as a 100% end-of-course examination or they may take the AS unit at the end of the first year and the A2 unit at the end of the second year.
Features:
Intended as a one year course developing post-GCSE study and representing half of the traditional A Level. It may be a stand alone unit or constitute half of a full A Level for those students who go on to a second year of Japanese study in the sixth form. There is one paper of 3 hours duration examining reading and writing skills (carrying equal weighting with the A2 exam where students take the full A Level). There is no oral or listening exam for the AS or A2 level.
Unit 1 - 100 marks:
(The percentages shown refer to weighting for the combined AS and A2 papers)
For all three sections material is drawn from authentic target-language materials such as newspapers, reports and books.
Section 1: (40 marks, 20%) Reading and Writing
Students are required to read authentic target-language material and retrieve and convey information by responding in the target language to a range of mainly target-language test types. This section also explicitly tests knowledge of grammar and kanji within the tasks.
Section 2: (20 marks, 10%) Translation
Students are required to read and understand a passage in the target language and produce a written translation in English.
Section 3: (40 marks, 20%) Continuous writing
Students write about 250 characters in the form of a letter, report or article in the target language, based on a short target-language stimulus.
Suitable for:
post 16 students
Recommended number of contact hours:
Not stipulated. Depends on the pupils and their starting point.
Kanji requirement:
400 kanji (Including 200 for GCSE and 200 for AS level)
Recommended coursebook:
None. Some of the resources recommended for the A2 paper (see A Level Japanese - A2) may be relevant.
Suggested dictionaries are Japanese-English, English-Japanese Dictionary, Random House [ISBN 0-3454-0548-X]; Kodansha's Romanized Japanese-English Dictionary [ISBN 4-7700-1603-4] and Kodansha's Compact Kanji Guide [ISBN 4-7700-1553-4]
Please click here for a list of useful resources for teaching AS/A2 Japanese
Method of Assessment:
Terminal examination
Grades awarded:
A, B, C, D, E
Documents to request:
The specification, specimen papers, past papers and Student's Guide can be ordered from Edexcel Publications, Adamsway, Mansfield, Notts NG18 4LN. Tel: 01623 467467
Fax: 01623 450481 Email: publications@linneydirect.com
Exam Board contact details:
Edexcel Foundation, Stewart House, 32 Russell Square, London WC1B 5DN
Customer Response Centre 0870 240 9800
Fax: General enquiries 020 7758 6960 / Entries & Certification 020 7758 6920, 21, 22
Email: enquiries@edexcel.org.uk
Web: http://www.edexcel.org.uk
AS students must take Unit 1. A2 students must take Units 1 and 2; students may take both units as a 100% end-of-course examination or they may take the AS unit at the end of the first year and the A2 unit at the end of the second year.
Features:
Intended as a one year course developing post-GCSE study and representing half of the traditional A Level. It may be a stand alone unit or constitute half of a full A Level for those students who go on to a second year of Japanese study in the sixth form. There is one paper of 3 hours duration examining reading and writing skills (carrying equal weighting with the A2 exam where students take the full A Level). There is no oral or listening exam for the AS or A2 level.
Unit 1 - 100 marks:
(The percentages shown refer to weighting for the combined AS and A2 papers)
For all three sections material is drawn from authentic target-language materials such as newspapers, reports and books.
Section 1: (40 marks, 20%) Reading and Writing
Students are required to read authentic target-language material and retrieve and convey information by responding in the target language to a range of mainly target-language test types. This section also explicitly tests knowledge of grammar and kanji within the tasks.
Section 2: (20 marks, 10%) Translation
Students are required to read and understand a passage in the target language and produce a written translation in English.
Section 3: (40 marks, 20%) Continuous writing
Students write about 250 characters in the form of a letter, report or article in the target language, based on a short target-language stimulus.
Suitable for:
post 16 students
Recommended number of contact hours:
Not stipulated. Depends on the pupils and their starting point.
Kanji requirement:
400 kanji (Including 200 for GCSE and 200 for AS level)
Recommended coursebook:
None. Some of the resources recommended for the A2 paper (see A Level Japanese - A2) may be relevant.
Suggested dictionaries are Japanese-English, English-Japanese Dictionary, Random House [ISBN 0-3454-0548-X]; Kodansha's Romanized Japanese-English Dictionary [ISBN 4-7700-1603-4] and Kodansha's Compact Kanji Guide [ISBN 4-7700-1553-4]
Please click here for a list of useful resources for teaching AS/A2 Japanese
Method of Assessment:
Terminal examination
Grades awarded:
A, B, C, D, E
Documents to request:
The specification, specimen papers, past papers and Student's Guide can be ordered from Edexcel Publications, Adamsway, Mansfield, Notts NG18 4LN. Tel: 01623 467467
Fax: 01623 450481 Email: publications@linneydirect.com
Exam Board contact details:
Edexcel Foundation, Stewart House, 32 Russell Square, London WC1B 5DN
Customer Response Centre 0870 240 9800
Fax: General enquiries 020 7758 6960 / Entries & Certification 020 7758 6920, 21, 22
Email: enquiries@edexcel.org.uk
Web: http://www.edexcel.org.uk
GCE A2 JAPANESE Edexcel
Examination code: 9624
Click here for information about changes to the specification
The Student AS/A Level Guide provides a straightforward explanation of the examination system
Private Candidates
If you are not registered at a school or college but wish to sit for the AS/ A level in Japanese please download the entry form below, and call Excel on 0870 2409800 should you have any further queries.
http://www.edexcel.org.uk/VirtualContent/80624/24_Form_02.pdf
PLEASE NOTE:
Students must have taken / be taking the AS Japanese exam (see AS Level Japanese), as well as the A2 paper, in order to obtain the full A Level in Japanese. This page looks only at the A2 paper. Both the AS and A2 papers were examined for the first time in the summer session of the year 2001.
Features:
The second unit of a typical two year A Level course, which develops AS language study and introduces the study of socio-historical topics and literary texts. There is 1 paper of 3 hours duration examining reading and writing skills and topics / texts (carrying equal weighting with the AS paper). There is no oral or listening exam for the A level in Japanese.
Unit 2 - 80 marks:
Section 1: (20 marks, 20%) Reading and Writing
Students read authentic target-language material and retrieve and convey information by responding in the target language to target-language questions. They also translate a related passage from English into the target language.
Section 2:(60 marks, 30%) Topics and Texts
Topics: The Nara and Heaian period; Contemporary Japanese society; The Japanese Year; A region or prefecture in Japan .
Texts: Stories from Don don yomeru iroirona hanashi; short stories by Akutagawa Ryuunosuke; short-short stories of Hoshi Shinichi; a selection of poetry ( the suggested anthology Tokusen Chiisana Shiikashuu).
Please see the document ‘Changes to the specification’ to check the details.
Suitable for:
post 16 students
Recommended number of contact hours:
Not stipulated. Depends on the pupils and their starting point.
Kanji requirement:
600 kanji (Including 200 for GCSE, 200 for AS level and 200 A2 level)
Recommended coursebook:
Please click here for a list of useful resources for teaching AS/A2 Japanese
Suggested resources for the study of each topic respectively are:
1. Japan - Eyes on our Country (Foreign Press Center, Japan)
2. Nihon no rekishi/ Japanese History (Bonjinsha)
3. Aspects of Japanese Society (The Japan Times)
4. Moons, Months and Seasons. (Kyobundoh)
Suggested resources for the study of all topics are:
1. Japanese for Today (Gakken 1991)
2. Japan As It Is (Gakken 1997)
3. Cultural Atlas of Japan (Phaidon)
4. Cambridge Encyclopaedia of Japan (CUP 1993)
5. Nihon jijoo/ Japan a la carte (Hokuseido)
6. Eigo de shookaisuru Nihon/ A Handbook Introducing Japan in English (Sogensha)
7. Nihon bunka o eego de setsumee suru jiten/ An English Dictionary of Japanese Culture (Yuhikaku)
Method of Assessment:
Terminal examination
Grades awarded:
A, B, C, D, E
Documents to request:
The specification, specimen papers, past papers and Student's Guide can be ordered from Edexcel Publications, Adamsway, Mansfield, Notts NG18 4LN. Tel: 01623 467467
Fax: 01623 450481 Email: publications@linneydirect.com
Exam Board contact details:
Edexcel Foundation, Stewart House, 32 Russell Square, London WC1B 5DN
Customer Response Centre 0870 240 9800
Fax: General enquiries 020 7758 6960 / Entries & Certification 020 7758 6920, 21, 22
Email: enquiries@edexcel.org.uk
Web: http://www.edexcel.org.uk
Students must have taken / be taking the AS Japanese exam (see AS Level Japanese), as well as the A2 paper, in order to obtain the full A Level in Japanese. This page looks only at the A2 paper. Both the AS and A2 papers were examined for the first time in the summer session of the year 2001.
Features:
The second unit of a typical two year A Level course, which develops AS language study and introduces the study of socio-historical topics and literary texts. There is 1 paper of 3 hours duration examining reading and writing skills and topics / texts (carrying equal weighting with the AS paper). There is no oral or listening exam for the A level in Japanese.
Unit 2 - 80 marks:
Section 1: (20 marks, 20%) Reading and Writing
Students read authentic target-language material and retrieve and convey information by responding in the target language to target-language questions. They also translate a related passage from English into the target language.
Section 2:(60 marks, 30%) Topics and Texts
Topics: The Nara and Heaian period; Contemporary Japanese society; The Japanese Year; A region or prefecture in Japan .
Texts: Stories from Don don yomeru iroirona hanashi; short stories by Akutagawa Ryuunosuke; short-short stories of Hoshi Shinichi; a selection of poetry ( the suggested anthology Tokusen Chiisana Shiikashuu).
Please see the document ‘Changes to the specification’ to check the details.
Suitable for:
post 16 students
Recommended number of contact hours:
Not stipulated. Depends on the pupils and their starting point.
Kanji requirement:
600 kanji (Including 200 for GCSE, 200 for AS level and 200 A2 level)
Recommended coursebook:
Please click here for a list of useful resources for teaching AS/A2 Japanese
Suggested resources for the study of each topic respectively are:
1. Japan - Eyes on our Country (Foreign Press Center, Japan)
2. Nihon no rekishi/ Japanese History (Bonjinsha)
3. Aspects of Japanese Society (The Japan Times)
4. Moons, Months and Seasons. (Kyobundoh)
Suggested resources for the study of all topics are:
1. Japanese for Today (Gakken 1991)
2. Japan As It Is (Gakken 1997)
3. Cultural Atlas of Japan (Phaidon)
4. Cambridge Encyclopaedia of Japan (CUP 1993)
5. Nihon jijoo/ Japan a la carte (Hokuseido)
6. Eigo de shookaisuru Nihon/ A Handbook Introducing Japan in English (Sogensha)
7. Nihon bunka o eego de setsumee suru jiten/ An English Dictionary of Japanese Culture (Yuhikaku)
Method of Assessment:
Terminal examination
Grades awarded:
A, B, C, D, E
Documents to request:
The specification, specimen papers, past papers and Student's Guide can be ordered from Edexcel Publications, Adamsway, Mansfield, Notts NG18 4LN. Tel: 01623 467467
Fax: 01623 450481 Email: publications@linneydirect.com
Exam Board contact details:
Edexcel Foundation, Stewart House, 32 Russell Square, London WC1B 5DN
Customer Response Centre 0870 240 9800
Fax: General enquiries 020 7758 6960 / Entries & Certification 020 7758 6920, 21, 22
Email: enquiries@edexcel.org.uk
Web: http://www.edexcel.org.uk
WJEC Level 1 Certificate in Japanese WJEC
Features:
Originally developed within the Welsh Office Japanese-in-Schools programme, this course was first accredited by the Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC). In 2004, the course was approved as a Level 1 Certificate in Japanese by QCA.
Kana, Kanji and Romaji versions of the specification are available for use by the teacher. Pupils learn to read and write in the kana scripts as a requirement of the course.
There are 4 topics, covering
Topic 1: Introductions
Topic 2: Shopping and Eating Out
Topic 3: Daily Life
Topic 4: Socialising (Going out and finding the way)
Aims:
Suitable for:
Secondary school pupils in the Sixth Form (Years 12 / 13, ages 16-18)
Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 pupils (Years 7 - 11)
Recommended number of contact hours:
Three or four terms - 2 hours a week contact time plus a similar amount of time per week spent on homework or supported self- study. The course is flexible so that classes without this amount of time at their disposal may proceed at their own pace.
Kanji requirement:
Active: 31, Passive: about 28
Method of Assessment:
There is an assessment at the end of each topic, which consists of a listening, speaking, reading and writing test. Topics 1 – 3 are internally assessed, and topic 4 is externally assessed. No use of dictionaries or other reference material is allowed.
Grades awarded:
Assessments 1, 2 and 3 are reported on a pass/fail basis only, with the pass mark being 50/120. If candidates fail to achieve 50/120 before moderation, they may re-sit each assessment once only. Candidates successfully completing assessment 1 and /or 2 and/or 3 will be issued with a certificate of credit. Candidates successfully completing the 4 assessments (3 internal plus one external) will be awarded the full certificate at level 1. The results of assessment 4 will be reported as fail/pass/merit/distinction.
Documents to request from the Board:
The Syllabus and Assessment Guide are available from the Board or can be downloaded from http://www.wjec.co.uk/otherqual.html
Kana, Kanji and Romaji versions of the specification are available for use by the teacher. Pupils learn to read and write in the kana scripts as a requirement of the course.
There are 4 topics, covering
Topic 1: Introductions
Topic 2: Shopping and Eating Out
Topic 3: Daily Life
Topic 4: Socialising (Going out and finding the way)
Aims:
- Develop understanding of the spoken and written forms of Japanese in a range of contexts
- Develop the ability to communicate effectively in Japanese through both the spoken and written word, using a range of vocabulary and structures
- Develop knowledge and understanding of the grammar of Japanese and the ability to apply it
- Help candidates apply their knowledge and understanding in a variety of relevant contexts
- Develop knowledge and understanding of Japan and Japanese speaking communities (particularly the Japanese community in the UK)
- Develop positive attitudes to modern foreign language learning
- Provide a suitable foundation for further study and / or practical use of Japanese; in particular to provide a stepping stone towards GCSE
Secondary school pupils in the Sixth Form (Years 12 / 13, ages 16-18)
Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 pupils (Years 7 - 11)
Recommended number of contact hours:
Three or four terms - 2 hours a week contact time plus a similar amount of time per week spent on homework or supported self- study. The course is flexible so that classes without this amount of time at their disposal may proceed at their own pace.
Kanji requirement:
Active: 31, Passive: about 28
Method of Assessment:
There is an assessment at the end of each topic, which consists of a listening, speaking, reading and writing test. Topics 1 – 3 are internally assessed, and topic 4 is externally assessed. No use of dictionaries or other reference material is allowed.
Grades awarded:
Assessments 1, 2 and 3 are reported on a pass/fail basis only, with the pass mark being 50/120. If candidates fail to achieve 50/120 before moderation, they may re-sit each assessment once only. Candidates successfully completing assessment 1 and /or 2 and/or 3 will be issued with a certificate of credit. Candidates successfully completing the 4 assessments (3 internal plus one external) will be awarded the full certificate at level 1. The results of assessment 4 will be reported as fail/pass/merit/distinction.
Documents to request from the Board:
The Syllabus and Assessment Guide are available from the Board or can be downloaded from http://www.wjec.co.uk/otherqual.html
IB – AB initio, Language B International Baccalaureate
Features:
The AB initio course is for beginners and is designed to be taken over two years by students who have no previous knowledge of learning the target language.
IB exams are for registered schools only. Please contact the exam board for more information.
Exam Board contact details:
International Baccalaureate Organization
Peterson House, Malthouse Avenue, Cardiff Gate, Cardiff, CF23 8GL, Wales, UK
Tel: 02920 54 7777 Â reception
Fax: 02920 54 7778
Web: http://www.ibo.org/
E-mail: ibca@ibo.org
The AB initio course is for beginners and is designed to be taken over two years by students who have no previous knowledge of learning the target language.
IB exams are for registered schools only. Please contact the exam board for more information.
Exam Board contact details:
International Baccalaureate Organization
Peterson House, Malthouse Avenue, Cardiff Gate, Cardiff, CF23 8GL, Wales, UK
Tel: 02920 54 7777 Â reception
Fax: 02920 54 7778
Web: http://www.ibo.org/
E-mail: ibca@ibo.org
ABC (Awarding Body Consortium) ABC
Features:
Entry Level 2 and 3 Awards and Double Awards in Practical Languages
Level 1 and 2 Awards and Double Awards in Practical Languages
Level 3 Awards and Double Award in Practical Languages
Entry requirements:
Minimum entry age is 14. (This includes Year 9 pupils.)
Suitable for:
Anyone who wishes to study for employment purposes or personal development in the wider sense of Lifelong Learning.
Recommended number of contact hours :
Entry Level 3 Award in Speaking and Listening = 40 – 60 hours
Entry Level 3 Award in Reading and Writing = 40 – 60 hours
Entry 3 Double Award = 90 – 120 hours
Level 1 Award and Level 2 Award will require the same hours each as in Entry Level.
Level 3 Double Award will require a minimum of 150 hours.
Recommended coursebook:
Not listed.
Grades awarded:
Pass / Fail.
Exam Board contact details:
Ann Farnsworth/Daniel Moult
Languages Administrators
ABC Awards
Robins Wood House
Robins Wood Road
Nottingham
NG8 3NH
Tel: 01158541622 /01158541672
Email: annf@abcawards.co.uk or danielm@abcawards.co.uk
Website: http://www.abcawards.co.uk
Entry Level 2 and 3 Awards and Double Awards in Practical Languages
Level 1 and 2 Awards and Double Awards in Practical Languages
Level 3 Awards and Double Award in Practical Languages
Entry requirements:
Minimum entry age is 14. (This includes Year 9 pupils.)
Suitable for:
Anyone who wishes to study for employment purposes or personal development in the wider sense of Lifelong Learning.
Recommended number of contact hours :
Entry Level 3 Award in Speaking and Listening = 40 – 60 hours
Entry Level 3 Award in Reading and Writing = 40 – 60 hours
Entry 3 Double Award = 90 – 120 hours
Level 1 Award and Level 2 Award will require the same hours each as in Entry Level.
Level 3 Double Award will require a minimum of 150 hours.
Recommended coursebook:
Not listed.
Grades awarded:
Pass / Fail.
Exam Board contact details:
Ann Farnsworth/Daniel Moult
Languages Administrators
ABC Awards
Robins Wood House
Robins Wood Road
Nottingham
NG8 3NH
Tel: 01158541622 /01158541672
Email: annf@abcawards.co.uk or danielm@abcawards.co.uk
Website: http://www.abcawards.co.uk
CERTIFICATE IN BUSINESS LANGUAGE COMPETENCE (CBLC) OCR
Examination code: L76
Features:
The assessment takes the form of an oral test offering a choice from the following
4 “elements” or topic areas:
Dealing with visitors to the company; arriving at a hotel; dealing with directions and signs; travelling on business.
The full certificate consists of all 4 of any of the above elements of certification. Any number of elements may be attempted at any one time and in any order. Achievement in fewer than four elements of certification is recognised by a profile certificate.
Aims:
To assess communicative skills in Japanese at a basic level within a business context.
Suitable for:
Post 16 students, or those who wish, for any purpose, to demonstrate that they have acquired basic communicative skills in Japanese. The syllabus has been designed to provide progression towards NVQ Language Units at Level 1.
This qualification has no links to the National Curriculum and may not be offered to students under 16 in place of a National Curriculum qualification.
Recommended number of contact hours :
About 100 hours
Kanji requirement:
About 35
Recommended coursebook:
Syllabus and sample assessment materials are available from OCR Publications.
Japanese Entry Level "Teacher’s Packs" and activity books are available in romaji and kana versions from Language Networks for Excellence (http://languagenetworksforexcellence.co.uk).
Method of Assessment:
Terminal assessment by oral test for each of the 4 elements (which last 5 minutes each). The test is conducted by an external oral examiner appointed by the Board. The test is carried out entirely in Japanese apart from when the candidate is occasionally required to demonstrate understanding by making a written note in EnglishGrades awarded:
Results for each element will be graded Pass or Fail. Candidates who achieve all 4 elements will be awarded an Entry Level Certificate in Business Language Competence in Japanese. Candidates who do not achieve all four elements of certification will receive a profile certificate for the successful elements.
Documents to request from the Board:
Copies of the syllabus, the list of centres offering OCR assessment in Japanese and sample Assessment are available from OCR Publications, OCR Examinations Board, Westwood Way, Coventry CV4 8JQ.
Switchboard: 02476 47 0033 Fax: 02476 42 1944
Email: cib@ocr.org.uk
Website: www.ocr.org.uk
Exam Board contact details:
OCR Examinations Board, Westwood Way, Coventry, CV4 8JQ
OCR switchboard (Coventry section): 02476 47 0033
OCR Customer Information Bureau: 0870 870 6622
Fax (OCR, Coventry): 02476 42 1944
The assessment takes the form of an oral test offering a choice from the following
4 “elements” or topic areas:
Dealing with visitors to the company; arriving at a hotel; dealing with directions and signs; travelling on business.
The full certificate consists of all 4 of any of the above elements of certification. Any number of elements may be attempted at any one time and in any order. Achievement in fewer than four elements of certification is recognised by a profile certificate.
Aims:
To assess communicative skills in Japanese at a basic level within a business context.
Suitable for:
Post 16 students, or those who wish, for any purpose, to demonstrate that they have acquired basic communicative skills in Japanese. The syllabus has been designed to provide progression towards NVQ Language Units at Level 1.
This qualification has no links to the National Curriculum and may not be offered to students under 16 in place of a National Curriculum qualification.
Recommended number of contact hours :
About 100 hours
Kanji requirement:
About 35
Recommended coursebook:
Syllabus and sample assessment materials are available from OCR Publications.
Japanese Entry Level "Teacher’s Packs" and activity books are available in romaji and kana versions from Language Networks for Excellence (http://languagenetworksforexcellence.co.uk).
Method of Assessment:
Terminal assessment by oral test for each of the 4 elements (which last 5 minutes each). The test is conducted by an external oral examiner appointed by the Board. The test is carried out entirely in Japanese apart from when the candidate is occasionally required to demonstrate understanding by making a written note in EnglishGrades awarded:
Results for each element will be graded Pass or Fail. Candidates who achieve all 4 elements will be awarded an Entry Level Certificate in Business Language Competence in Japanese. Candidates who do not achieve all four elements of certification will receive a profile certificate for the successful elements.
Documents to request from the Board:
Copies of the syllabus, the list of centres offering OCR assessment in Japanese and sample Assessment are available from OCR Publications, OCR Examinations Board, Westwood Way, Coventry CV4 8JQ.
Switchboard: 02476 47 0033 Fax: 02476 42 1944
Email: cib@ocr.org.uk
Website: www.ocr.org.uk
Exam Board contact details:
OCR Examinations Board, Westwood Way, Coventry, CV4 8JQ
OCR switchboard (Coventry section): 02476 47 0033
OCR Customer Information Bureau: 0870 870 6622
Fax (OCR, Coventry): 02476 42 1944
Asset Languages
Features:
The Languages Ladder is a scale of measurement. It has six stages – from Breakthrough to Mastery. Each stage is further broken down into three small steps or grades and four skills.
External Assessment:
External assessment covers the Can Do statements for the whole of a stage (all three 'grades'). All four skills are assessed separately and each external test successfully completed is a nationally recognised qualification in its own right – e.g. Breakthrough Japanese Reading.
The learner can be entered for an Asset Languages qualification when they are ready. There are 5 external assessment testing series throughout the year.
Asset Languages externally assessed qualifications attract Achievement and Attainment Table points. The points are per skill, by grade. It is possible to combine points from different languages and different skills.
Teacher Assessment:
Teacher assessment is carried out using tasks and mark schemes supplied by OCR in a Teacher Assessment Pack. The content of the tasks can be adapted and integrated into current programmes of work.
Teacher assessment is overseen by an Accredited Teacher and leads to a Grade Award which is issued in the centre. It complements external assessment but both can be carried out independently.
Suitable for:
Asset Languages is available for all students - from primary to adult learners.
Recommended number of contact hours:
Breakthrough: 30 guided learning hours per qualification
Preliminary: 40 guided learning hours per qualification (from Entry Level)
Intermediate: 40 guided learning hours per qualification (from Level 1)
Advanced: 50 guided learning hours per qualification (from Level 2)
Kanji requirement:
By the end of the stage, learners are expected to be able to recognise all kanji listed in the specifications for the stage in question, and those included in previous stages.
Breakthrough: 10 kanji
Preliminary: 90 kanji
Intermediate: 120 kanji
Advanced: 280 kanji
For more information please see the language specifications:
http://www.assetlanguages.org.uk/about/specs.aspx
Recommended course book:
none
Method of assessment:
See above – External Assessment = single paper per skill, between 20-60 minutes in length depending on stage and skill.
For more information please see the Stage Guides:
http://www.assetlanguages.org.uk/about/default.aspx
Grades awarded:
Documents to request:
DfES Can Do Statements:
http://www.assetlanguages.org.uk/UserFiles/File/specialists/cando_sept2005.pdf
FAQ Document:
http://www.assetlanguages.org.uk/UserFiles/File/support/Asset_FAQs2.pdf
Request information Pack:
http://www.assetlanguages.org.uk/feedback/default.aspx
or assetlanguages@ocr.org.uk
To register as a centre:
http://www.assetlanguages.org.uk/centres/registration.aspx
Exam board contact details:
Asset Languages
1 Hills Road
Cambridge
CB1 2EU
01223 553998 - OCR Customer Contact Centre
assetlanguages@ocr.org.uk
http://www.assetlanguages.org.uk/
- Based on the DfES Languages Ladder of Can Do statements
- Each skill is assessed separately: reading, writing, listening, speaking
- Classroom assessment for teacher-assessed grade awards and for external end-of-stage qualifications
- Frequent testing opportunities for external exams - not just at the end of the year
- Designed to work with existing teaching programmes
The Languages Ladder is a scale of measurement. It has six stages – from Breakthrough to Mastery. Each stage is further broken down into three small steps or grades and four skills.
External Assessment:
External assessment covers the Can Do statements for the whole of a stage (all three 'grades'). All four skills are assessed separately and each external test successfully completed is a nationally recognised qualification in its own right – e.g. Breakthrough Japanese Reading.
The learner can be entered for an Asset Languages qualification when they are ready. There are 5 external assessment testing series throughout the year.
Asset Languages externally assessed qualifications attract Achievement and Attainment Table points. The points are per skill, by grade. It is possible to combine points from different languages and different skills.
Teacher Assessment:
Teacher assessment is carried out using tasks and mark schemes supplied by OCR in a Teacher Assessment Pack. The content of the tasks can be adapted and integrated into current programmes of work.
Teacher assessment is overseen by an Accredited Teacher and leads to a Grade Award which is issued in the centre. It complements external assessment but both can be carried out independently.
Suitable for:
Asset Languages is available for all students - from primary to adult learners.
Recommended number of contact hours:
Breakthrough: 30 guided learning hours per qualification
Preliminary: 40 guided learning hours per qualification (from Entry Level)
Intermediate: 40 guided learning hours per qualification (from Level 1)
Advanced: 50 guided learning hours per qualification (from Level 2)
Kanji requirement:
By the end of the stage, learners are expected to be able to recognise all kanji listed in the specifications for the stage in question, and those included in previous stages.
Breakthrough: 10 kanji
Preliminary: 90 kanji
Intermediate: 120 kanji
Advanced: 280 kanji
For more information please see the language specifications:
http://www.assetlanguages.org.uk/about/specs.aspx
Recommended course book:
none
Method of assessment:
See above – External Assessment = single paper per skill, between 20-60 minutes in length depending on stage and skill.
For more information please see the Stage Guides:
http://www.assetlanguages.org.uk/about/default.aspx
Grades awarded:
|
Documents to request:
DfES Can Do Statements:
http://www.assetlanguages.org.uk/UserFiles/File/specialists/cando_sept2005.pdf
FAQ Document:
http://www.assetlanguages.org.uk/UserFiles/File/support/Asset_FAQs2.pdf
Request information Pack:
http://www.assetlanguages.org.uk/feedback/default.aspx
or assetlanguages@ocr.org.uk
To register as a centre:
http://www.assetlanguages.org.uk/centres/registration.aspx
Exam board contact details:
Asset Languages
1 Hills Road
Cambridge
CB1 2EU
01223 553998 - OCR Customer Contact Centre
assetlanguages@ocr.org.uk
http://www.assetlanguages.org.uk/
JAPAN FOUNDATION/AIEJ
JAPANESE -LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY TEST (JLPT)
JLPT Communication Square
Held once a year in December
Click here for an FAQ for the JLPT, from JLPT Communication Square
Features:
4 different levels each consisting of 3 sections: Writing and Vocabulary; Listening; Reading and Grammar.
Aims:
Carried out both in Japan and abroad for the measurement and certification of Japanese proficiency for non-native speakers.
Suitable for:
Non-native speakers of Japanese. Level1 provides a useful base for study at a Japanese university.
Recommended number of contact hours :
Level 1- 900 hours; Level 2 - 600 hours; Level 3 - 300 hours; Level 4 - 150 hours.
Kanji requirement:
Level 1 - 2000, Level 2 - 1000, Level 3 - 300, Level 4 - 100. The JLPT does not test candidates' written skills in Japanese, but candidates are expected to be able to recognise and read the kanji required at their level.
Recommended coursebook:
Past papers from previous years (including listening comprehension cassette) are published by Bonjinsha. An ever-increasing variety of practice question books and grammar guides targeting the JLPT are also available (publishers include: Bonjinsha, ALC Press Japanese Textbook Series, Unicom Inc.).
See the Links page for useful websites to help prepare for the JLPT. Alternatively download the same information as a PDF file.
Method of Assessment:
Examination (Vocabulary, Listening, Reading-Grammar) held annually in December.
Grades awarded:
Pass/Fail. All examinees are informed of their scores.
Documents to request from the Board:
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test Guide (including Application Forms and sample questions).
Cost :
To be confirmed
Application Period:
The application period is usually from early August to early October each year. The exam takes place each December.
Exam Board contact details:
4 different levels each consisting of 3 sections: Writing and Vocabulary; Listening; Reading and Grammar.
Aims:
Carried out both in Japan and abroad for the measurement and certification of Japanese proficiency for non-native speakers.
Suitable for:
Non-native speakers of Japanese. Level1 provides a useful base for study at a Japanese university.
Recommended number of contact hours :
Level 1- 900 hours; Level 2 - 600 hours; Level 3 - 300 hours; Level 4 - 150 hours.
Kanji requirement:
Level 1 - 2000, Level 2 - 1000, Level 3 - 300, Level 4 - 100. The JLPT does not test candidates' written skills in Japanese, but candidates are expected to be able to recognise and read the kanji required at their level.
Recommended coursebook:
Past papers from previous years (including listening comprehension cassette) are published by Bonjinsha. An ever-increasing variety of practice question books and grammar guides targeting the JLPT are also available (publishers include: Bonjinsha, ALC Press Japanese Textbook Series, Unicom Inc.).
See the Links page for useful websites to help prepare for the JLPT. Alternatively download the same information as a PDF file.
Method of Assessment:
Examination (Vocabulary, Listening, Reading-Grammar) held annually in December.
Grades awarded:
Pass/Fail. All examinees are informed of their scores.
Documents to request from the Board:
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test Guide (including Application Forms and sample questions).
Cost :
To be confirmed
Application Period:
The application period is usually from early August to early October each year. The exam takes place each December.
Exam Board contact details:
Requests for application forms should be made in writing or e-mail to ;
SOAS Language Centre, University of London,
Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London WC1H 0XG
E-mail: jlpt@soas.ac.uk
Tel (JLPT direct line): 020 7898 4555
Fax: 020 7898 4889
For further details, visit the website at
http://www.soas.ac.uk/languagecentre/awards/jlpt/japanese-language-proficiency-test.html
BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test JETRO
For further information, please visit the JETRO website;
http://www.jetro.go.jp/en/bjt/
KANJI APTITUDE TEST Nihon Kanji Nooryoku Kentee Kyookai
SOAS in London is one of 19 sites worldwide for this exam which was taken by over 1,700,000 candidates this year. Contact Yoshiko Jones on tel. 020-7898-4876, email:yj1@soas.ac.uk for details of requirements and fees.