We opted to followed the new Edexcel GCSE specification, essentially because the format of its oral exam appeared to offer more opportunities for, and recognition of, the ability to manipulate language independently and spontaneously. This is something we are seeking to develop from Yr7 and, athough it presents significantly more challenge than the test of memory that epitomised the previous GCSE oral exam, we believe it is much more in line with how we want to teach languages, and how learners want to learn. Of course it is still early days! This training session looked in general (rather than specification specifically) at the overall changes to the GCSE.