A Level

  • AS: Listening, Reading and Translation: 40% of AS
    Writing: 30% of AS
    Speaking: 30% of AS
  • Full A level: Listening, Reading and Translation: 40%
    Writing: 30%
    Speaking: 30%

French and Spanish (Edexcel)

Course aims:

An A Level in French or Spanish aims to provide students with an excellent grounding in all aspects of the language with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability in Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing in the language as well as to deepen their understanding of the social and cultural aspects of the French or Spanish speaking world.

Entry requirements:

A minimum of a grade 7 at GCSE (or similar qualification) is expected for the chosen language(s). Knowledge of and ability in other languages is an advantage. Students need to have a passion for, and interest in, the language(s) studied.

Key features:

  • Provides a topic-based (such as cinema, music, education, traditions) approach to learning the language with a comprehensive grammar course.
  • Preparation and delivery of speaking presentations as well as weekly conversation classes allow students to communicate confidently and effectively in the foreign language.
  • Increases sensitivity and positive attitudes towards language and language learning through independent and collaborative approaches.

Higher Education:

A language qualification is useful in many different careers: International law, teaching, banking, business, marketing, tourism, translating, civil service, posts with international companies, as well as adding another dimension to world travel. Linguists are highly employable people in a number of job sectors and dual linguists are highly sought after in many fields.

Top universities look very favourably upon students who study a language at A Level.

French

For AS and A2, we follow the Edexcel syllabus and lessons include an additional conversation class with the French Language Assistant.

At AS there are two main themes: the Changes in French Society and the Political and Artistic Culture of French-speaking Countries. Within these, there are six sub-themes: Changes in Family Structures, Education, World of Work, Music, Media, Festivals and Traditions.

In addition, there is the study of a French film.

Final examinations are taken in Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing.

At full A level two further main themes are studied: Immigration and Multicultural French Society and the Occupation and Resistance. Within these, the sub-themes are: the Positive Impact of Immigration on French Society, Responding to the Challenges of Immigration and Integration in France, the Extreme Right, Occupied France, the Vichy Regime and the Resistance.

In addition, there is the study of a French work of literature.

Final examinations are taken in Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing.

A Level students are encouraged to spend time in France either through their own contacts or via work experience or home-stay options with such as Halsbury Travel.

 

Spanish

For AS and A2, we follow the Edexcel syllabus and lessons include an additional conversation class with the Spanish Language Assistant.

At AS there are two main themes: the Evolution of Spanish Society and the Political and Artistic Culture of Spanish-speaking Countries.Within these, there are six sub-themes: the Family, the World of Work, the Impact of Tourism in Spain, Music, Media, Festivals and Traditions,

In addition, there is the study of a Spanish film.

Final examinations are taken in Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing.

At full A level two further main themes are studied: Historical and Contemporary Immigration and Integration and Multiculturalism. Within these, the sub-themes are: the Origins of Immigration, the Influence of Muslims in Andalusia, the Influence of North African and Latin American Immigrants, the Benefits, Challenges and Attitudes of Integration and Multiculturalism.

In addition, there is the study of a Spanish work of literature.

Final examinations are taken in Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing.

A Level  students are encouraged to spend time in Spain. There is a study visit to Valencia for Years 10 – 13, which has proven to be highly successful.