What 9270/S assesses
An optional prepared formal spoken presentation of no more than about 10 minutes including questions, with responses to questions and feedback. No marks are given: it is assessed as Pass, Merit or Distinction (otherwise Not Classified) and shown as a separate statement on the certificate. It does not count towards the grade.
- Weight: Endorsement of OxfordAQA 9270 (Specification, Version 5.1 (teaching from September 2016; exams May/June 2018 onwards))
- How it is assessed: Internal (teacher assessed, OxfordAQA/AQA moderated)
- Who takes it: Optional; available to any candidate, on either route
What the examiners reward in 9270/S
Speaking
- SL3: Interact with others, shaping meanings through comments, responses to questions and drawing ideas together
This is one of the objectives. The 9270 overview lists the full set.
Three objectives shape this component. First, your child should show presentation skills in a formal setting. That means organising ideas so an audience can follow, and delivering them with clarity and confidence.
Second, they should listen and respond appropriately. They answer questions thoughtfully and build on what others say rather than repeating a rehearsed line. Third, they should use spoken Standard English effectively, adapting register to the occasion.
Strong work is well structured and genuinely engaging, and uses voice and pace to hold attention. It treats the discussion as a conversation, not an interrogation. Our teachers rehearse structure, timing and question-handling with your child.
The ideas and the words stay their own.
For more detail, see 9270 speaking and listening in the syllabus.
The trial lesson can work on OxfordAQA 9270/S directly, with timings, mark scheme and your child's own answers.
Question types we practise for 9270/S
- ESL speaking: discussion: Developing and structuring ideas in a spoken discussion. Skills guide · annotated model response · practice
Where marks are lost on 9270/S
Preparing a speaking topic: Memorising a script. The talk sounds flat and collapses when a question interrupts it. Read the full guide.
The ESL speaking test (0510 and 0511): what to expect: One-sentence answers that make the examiner do all the work. Read the full guide.
Preparing for 9270/S with us
A teacher practises the 9270/S speaking format with your child in live conversation and gives feedback on each answer. See First Language English tuition for how a session runs.
9270/S is reported separately from the 9–1 grade of OxfordAQA 9270. Check the current arrangement for your exam year with your school or the board.