Departmental contact
Mr Broe – [email protected]
Examining board & Qualification
AQA – A LEVEL
Entry requirements
Please see current prospectus for further information
Students say
“French is the lesson we most enjoy coming to; I feel as though I can really speak the language now.”
“Spanish is the exam we feel best prepared for.”
“I can’t believe I have improved my German so much in such a short space of time.”
WHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?
Languages are great if you want to communicate with others and enhance your cultural awareness.
You will become a proficient linguist with a range of transferable skills and the chance to study/work abroad.
WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP?
Communication skills, problem solving skills, listening skills, competence in English, increased confidence, the ability to ‘think on your feet’, translation skills both into and from the language, essay writing skills.
You will become a proficient speaker and be able to understand others on a range of topics in your chosen language.
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
FRENCH
Aspects of French-speaking society: current trends
- The changing nature of family
- Cyber-society
- The place of voluntary work
Artistic culture in the French-speaking world
- A culture proud of its heritage
- Contemporary francophone music
- Cinema: the 7th art form
Aspects of French-speaking society: current issues
- Positive features of a diverse society
- Life for the marginalised
- How criminals are treated
Aspects of political life in the French-speaking world:
- Teenagers, the right to vote and political commitment
- Demonstrations, strikes – who holds the power?
- Politics and immigration
Also a book and a film.
Download the KS5 French Curriculum Plan
GERMAN
Aspects of German-speaking society
- The changing state of the family
- The digital world
- Youth culture: fashion and trends, music, television
Artistic culture in the German-speaking world
- Festivals and traditions
- Art and Architecture
- Cultural life in Berlin, past and present
Multiculturalism in German-speaking society
- Immigration
- Integration
- Racism
Aspects of political life in the German-speaking World
- Germany and the European Union
- Politics and Youth
- German reunification and its consequences
Also a book and a film.
Download the KS5 German Curriculum Plan
SPANISH
Aspects of Hispanic society
- Modern and traditional values
- Cyberspace
- Equal rights
Artistic culture in the Hispanic World
- Modern day idols
- Spanish regional identity
- Cultural heritage or cultural landscape
Multiculturalism in Hispanic society
- Immigration
- Racism
- Integration
Aspects of political life in the Hispanic world
- Today’s youth, tomorrow’s citizens
- Monarchies, republics and dictatorships
- Popular movements
Also a book and a film.
Download the KS5 Spanish Curriculum Plan
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
Paper 1 – Mixed Skills paper: Listening, Reading, Translation into English, Translation into the language of study
Written exam – 2 hours 30 minutes – 40% of A level
Paper 2 – Two books from the set list or one book from the set list and one film from the set list
Written exam – 2 hours – 30% of A level
Paper 3 – Speaking exam: a conversation based on one of the sub-topics studied and a conversation on an independent research project.
WHAT ARE MY POST-18 OPTIONS?
The opportunity to study languages at university combined with most other subjects is an attractive route for many A level linguists.
There are a multitude of courses on offer that focus on literature, history, law, tourism, society, culture, film, politics, art and many more. The main routes at university for further study are: to continue studying the linguistic and cultural aspects of the language, translation and interpretation, or as a minor subject that is studied alongside a main subject (French with Law, for example). Most universities encourage the combination of a foreign language with another subject as they recognise the skills that studying a foreign language can develop.
Some of the more popular jobs that benefit from having an A level in a foreign language are journalism, marketing, tourism, law, politics, teaching, police service, civil service, espionage, intelligence gathering and international relations and finance. Having a qualification in a foreign language is looked upon very favourably by most employers.
WHAT EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE?
Currently there is a mentoring scheme for supporting younger language learners. There is the possibility to complete work experience abroad. There is also the opportunity to take part in the national United Kingdom Linguistics Olympiad.
