What should I focus on for AQA GCSE Polish?

Prepare a list of versatile adjectives and time phrases to naturally extend answers and demonstrate range.

What should I focus on for AQA GCSE Polish? (2)

In the speaking exam, practise narrating a typical weekend from morning to evening, sequencing events with potem, następnie, później.

What should I focus on for AQA GCSE Polish? (3)

For writing tasks, always include at least one past-tense paragraph to meet criteria for higher marks, using common past forms like byłem/byłam, poszedłem/poszłam.

What should I focus on for AQA GCSE Polish? (4)

Use visual and verbal context (layout, title, pictures) to infer meaning.

What should I focus on for AQA GCSE Polish? (5)

Focus on identifying the information needed to answer questions rather than understanding every word.

What are common mistakes in AQA GCSE Polish?

Omitting the reflexive pronoun się, especially with daily routine verbs like myć się, czesać się.

What are common mistakes in AQA GCSE Polish? (2)

Incorrect gender agreement when describing family members, e.g., using masculine endings for feminine nouns.

What are common mistakes in AQA GCSE Polish? (3)

Confusing the genitive and accusative cases after prepositions (e.g., dla mojej mamy vs. przez moją mamę).

Polish

AQA

GCSE

Specification: AQA-GCSE-Polish

This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

Topics

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

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Key Features

Master key concepts
Develop exam technique
Apply knowledge effectively

What Gets Top Grades

A*/Grade 9

Knowledge & Understanding

Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

Uses correct subject-specific terminology
Shows detailed understanding of concepts
Makes accurate connections between topics
Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

Application

Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

Selects relevant knowledge for the question
Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
Uses examples appropriately
Shows awareness of context

Analysis & Evaluation

Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

Constructs logical chains of reasoning
Considers multiple perspectives
Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
Acknowledges limitations and nuances

Key Command Words

AQA

State

1 mark

Give a single fact or term

Identify

1 mark

Name, select, or recognise

Outline

2 marks

Set out main features briefly

Describe

2-4 marks

Give an account of what something is like or what happens

Explain

3-6 marks

Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains

Compare

2-4 marks

State similarities AND differences (both required)

Analyse

6-9 marks

Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains

Evaluate

6-12 marks

Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion

Assess

6-12 marks

Make judgments about importance with justification

Calculate

2-4 marks

Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units

Common Exam Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

•Omitting the reflexive pronoun się, especially with daily routine verbs like myć się, czesać się.
•Incorrect gender agreement when describing family members, e.g., using masculine endings for feminine nouns.
•Confusing the genitive and accusative cases after prepositions (e.g., dla mojej mamy vs. przez moją mamę).
•Overusing the infinitive after modal verbs instead of conjugating both verbs appropriately.
•Over-reliance on pre-learnt responses.
•Topic avoidance when unable to deal with a specific question.
•Word coinage (creating non-existent Polish words based on English/Polish roots).
•Inconsistent use of grammatical cases (e.g., Genitive, Accusative, Instrumental).

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•Prepare a list of versatile adjectives and time phrases to naturally extend answers and demonstrate range.
•In the speaking exam, practise narrating a typical weekend from morning to evening, sequencing events with potem, następnie, później.
•For writing tasks, always include at least one past-tense paragraph to meet criteria for higher marks, using common past forms like byłem/byłam, poszedłem/poszłam.
•Use visual and verbal context (layout, title, pictures) to infer meaning.
•Focus on identifying the information needed to answer questions rather than understanding every word.
•Use repair strategies (e.g., asking for clarification) if you do not understand a question.
•Practice using a range of time frames (past, present, future) to access higher marks.
•Use the supervised preparation time effectively to make notes for the speaking test.

Specification Topics

6 topics

E2E stub topic

This subtopic explores vocabulary and grammar needed to describe family life, relationships, and social activities in Polish. Learners develop the ability to discuss daily routines, household responsibilities, and celebrations, applying present tense, reflexive verbs, and case agreements. Mastering this topic enables personal expression and is essential for GCSE speaking and writing tasks.

E2E stub subtopic

0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

Identity and culture

This topic covers free-time activities, including music, cinema, TV, food, eating out, and sport, as part of the broader 'Identity and culture' theme.

Free-time activities, Me, my family and friends, Technology in everyday life +1 more

0 objectives18 tips18 pitfalls4 subtopics

Local area, holiday, and travel

The 'Travel and tourism' subtopic within the 'Local, national, international and global areas of interest' theme covers vocabulary and communication strategies related to travel, holidays, and tourism. It includes destinations, transport, accommodation, and activities, as well as the ability to describe experiences and opinions about travel.

Travel and tourism, Home, town, neighbourhood and region

0 objectives10 tips10 pitfalls2 subtopics

School

This subtopic covers the daily life, environment, and experiences of students within a school or college setting, including subjects, routines, and the educational environment.

Life at school/college, My studies

0 objectives9 tips9 pitfalls2 subtopics

Future aspirations, study, and work

This topic covers the vocabulary and language structures related to future career paths, job choices, and personal ambitions, as part of the broader theme of 'Current and future study and employment'.

Jobs, career choices and ambitions, Education post-16

0 objectives9 tips9 pitfalls2 subtopics

International and global dimension

This topic covers social issues within the 'International and global dimension' theme, specifically focusing on charity/voluntary work and healthy/unhealthy living.

Social issues, Global issues

0 objectives10 tips9 pitfalls2 subtopics

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