The A Level course will allow you to build on the skills and knowledge you have acquired at GCSE, and widen and deepen your understanding of the language and culture of the countries where your chosen language is spoken, through the exploration of a variety of topic areas from social issues to film and the arts.
A language A Level is a highly esteemed qualification and language skills are sought after in the workplace. The transferable skills developed through language learning are a clear advantage in the recruitment process and the ability to communicate with colleagues in their own language in an international working environment is something that sets linguists apart from others.
Courses Offered
French, German & Spanish A Level (AQA)
Syllabus Breakdown
The content will be as follows:
Areas of study:
- Social issues and trends
- Political, and artistic culture
- Grammar
- Literary texts and films
All four skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) will be assessed at the end of the course.
Assessment Breakdown
|
Unit |
Title |
Percentage of whole qualification |
Assessment Mode |
Assessment Duration |
|
1
|
Listening, Reading & Writing |
50% |
Comprehension questions in TL* Translations: TL to English and English to TL |
2 hours 30 |
|
2 |
Writing |
20% |
One essay on a literary text and one essay on a film OR two essays on two literary texts Essays written in TL |
2 Hours |
|
3 |
Speaking |
30% |
Discussion of a stimulus card. Presentation and discussion of a topic you have chosen and researched. |
20 minutes + 5 minutes of preparation |
* TL =Target language (French or Spanish)
Subject Key Concepts
#1 COMMUNICATION
#2 COMPREHENSION
#3 CULTURE
Please click here for Subject Key Concepts.
Please click here for PDF French Learning Journey. |
Please click here for PDF German Learning Journey. |
Please click here for PDF Spanish Learning Journey. |
Please click here for a PDF independent learning board.
Please click here to see what our students (Year 7-13) had to say about studying a language. |
Minimum Entry Requirements
In addition to our general Sixth Form entry requirements of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, students will need to achieve a minimum of a grade 5 in your chosen language at GCSE in order to access this course.
Why Study Modern Foreign Languages?
Wider skills developed in the study of languages include: communication, independence, analytical skills, oral confidence and presentation skills, insight into different cultures and an appreciation of literature and film.
Wider Opportunities
During the course, students are also encouraged to attend language conferences, which focus on examination skills practice. We also offer trips whenever possible and encourage students to undertake European work experience.
What Our Students Say:
"I chose a language A level as there is no other subject that can be quite so useful regardless of future intentions. You can learn about foreign culture and gain communication skills which are so highly desired by universities and employers.”
"Being able to speak a language is such a useful skill and I wanted to build on the knowledge I gained from GCSE. I wanted to be able to communicate more sophisticated ideas and it has given me the ability to have a full conversation and express my own opinion properly.”
"Learning a language has given me more confidence to speak in front of people as I now feel comfortable speaking in another language which has helped me with my confidence in English. It is very different from any other A level as you can apply it to real life.”
What Can I Do Next?
Languages are considered to be ‘facilitating subjects’ according to the Russell Group of universities, so if you would like to study at one of the top higher education institutions, a language A Level may give you a head start.
Many subjects can also be combined with a language at degree level, increasing the range of skills you will have to offer when you graduate. These include: Business Management, History, Engineering, Music, English, Politics, Law, Chemistry … the list is endless!
