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Modern Foreign Languages
(French, German and Spanish)
(Exam Board: AQA)
Subject Leader:
Mrs G Bishop
What do I need?
We recommend a grade B, or above at GCSE in the language you will be studying.
What will I learn?
AS-level This one-year course builds on the knowledge and skills studied at GCSE and is a mid-way stage between GCSE and A-Level. You will therefore require a good grade at GCSE level to enrol on the course. The four language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing are developed through the study of topics in the country of the language studied. These include: television, cinema, advertising, popular music, fashion, new technologies, sport & leisure, healthy living and family life.
A2-level Following the two AS modules, students study more challenging topics in order to take the two A2-level modules at the end of the second year. Once again, all four linguistic skills: listening, reading, speaking and writing are studied, allowing students to become very confident in their use of the foreign language topics. These include: the environment, multicultural society, contemporary issues and cultural topics.
Modern Language AS and A levels combine well with any other subject at Notre Dame High Sixth Form and complement a well-balanced education. The course at AS and A2 level develops essential skills of communication and is an ideal option for students who have an enthusiasm for language learning and a willingness to participate in discussions and debates. Reading and researching contemporary resources, such as newspaper articles, the internet and video-clips, forms an integral part of the course. If you prefer working in smaller groups, there will be opportunities to practise speaking with a language assistant. There are opportunities for students who are interested in travelling abroad to take part in study visits and sometimes work experience.
How will I be assessed?
AS Examination
Unit 1
1½ hours Listening Reading and Writing 70% of total AS-level
Content: Young People Today –
• Family and relationships
• Media
• Healthy living/Life styles
• Popular culture
Unit 2
35 minutes (including 20 minutes preparation time) Speaking 30% of total AS-level
Content:
Based on topic areas listed under Young People Today
A2 Examination
Unit 3
2½ hours Listening, Reading and Writing 35% of total A-level
Content:
• The Environment
• The Multicultural Society
• Contemporary Social Issues
• Cultural Topics
Unit 4
35 minutes (including 20 minutes preparation time) Speaking 15% of total A-level
Content:
Based on topic areas listed in Unit 3
Is there anything else I need to know?
• An A-level in a language is an essential qualification for students wishing to pursue their study of languages in Higher Education.
• Taking an A-level in a foreign language is not restricted to people who want to go on to university to study languages or other arts subjects. Many Higher Education courses now contain a language module and this is becoming a popular option or even a requirement.
• Students of other disciplines e.g. Medicine, are finding that some university departments prefer students with post GCSE foreign languages. Study of a modern foreign language at A level also enables you to take advantage of the many opportunities within the European Union.
• Linguistic skills can enhance career and employment prospects both at home and abroad due to the increased trade and business communication between the European Union Countries. As Britain’s European horizons broaden, so will the demand for competence in European Languages.
Whatever your future holds, you will need to be able to communicate with people at all levels, not only about professional matters, but also on a social level. A language qualification could be your trump card, so why not study languages at Advanced level?
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