How Voyager’s language trips support the new GCSE

16 Sept 2024, 17:13
by Kate Moore

All trips abroad support the GCSE language syllabus by exposing students to a new language and culture. However, Voyager’s language immersion programmes go further by offering pre-planned activities that align closely with specific topics and themes in the AQA and Edexcel specifications, providing invaluable preparation for the new GCSE.

✅ 100% Exposure to the Target Language

Our native-speaking instructors (French Animateurs, German Betreuers and Spanish Monitores) communicate exclusively in the target language from arrival to departure, whether during safety demonstrations, activities, visits, mealtimes or evening entertainment. This constant exposure to the sound of the language throughout their stay sharpens students’ listening, speaking and pronunciation skills.

✅ Preparation for Role-Play

The immersive nature of our programmes, where students have to use the target language to participate, make ideal preparation for GCSE role play. Whether making a local dish, shopping at a local market, or navigating the Paris Metro, our instructors ensure students practise speaking, listening and comprehension in authentic transactional situations.

✅ Students Make Demonstrable Language Progress

Voyager’s language trips support your GCSE teaching by improving students’ understanding, vocabulary and pronunciation. Feedback from party leaders overwhelmingly demonstrates the positive impact of Voyager's programmes on their students:

95% reported good or very good progress in both language confidence and language understanding

86% saw significant improvements in vocabulary and pronunciation (79%)
7 out of 10 teachers said their learning objectives were FULLY met during the trip

✅ Topics & Themes from the AQA / EdExcel Specs Covered

Voyager’s language trips foster student interest in many KS3 and KS4 themes and topics.

Examples of how Voyager’s activities align with the new GCSE:

See more on how Voyager's programmes link to the National Curriculum for French, Spanish & German (KS2-4)

✅ Global Citizenship

Our language programmes go beyond vocabulary. They also promote Global Citizenship by fostering students’ intercultural awareness, communication and social connections.

Win over SLT with this ready-made justification

Use this wording to help demonstrate the educational value of your proposed language trip to SLT, Parents, Governors and on Evolve. Please adapt as required:

"This language immersion trip will directly support students in preparing for the new GCSE language syllabus, as it aligns to the AQA / Edexcel specification. The trip will provide our students with authentic, real-world opportunities to practise the target language, enhancing their understanding of key themes like identity, healthy living, and travel. Activities such as market missions, cultural visits, and role-playing scenarios will reinforce students’ learning, while the immersive environment will sharpen their listening, speaking, and pronunciation skills—essential for success in the new GCSE exams."