AS & A2 Level French & German
Why learn a foreign language in the Sixth Form?
- Studying a language may enable you to spend a year in a European university or work placement
- Adding a language skill to science and maths courses will demonstrate breadth to employers and universities
- With increased co-operation in Europe, knowledge of another European language is becoming more and more important
- The Government is looking into the proposals of top-level inquiry that a foreign language should be a requirement for university entry
- Studying a language gives you an insight into the increasingly international nature of the world we live in
- Studying a language broadens our horizons and helps us all to overcome prejudice about other lands and people
- Learning other languages and getting to know other cultures can only bring us closer to international co-operation and peace
Topics
The following topics will be studied with reference to target language countries as well as other wider, global context as appropriate.
AS
- Leisure and Lifestyles - including travel and tourism, sport, hobbies, entertainment, customs, traditions, healthy living - health and nutrition, diet and exercise, unhealthy living - drugs, aids, smoking alcohol etc
- The individual and Society - including relationships and responsibilities, gender issues, youth culture (values, peer groups, fashions and trends etc), education, vocational training and future careers
A Level
- Environment Issues - including technology, pollution, global warming, transport, energy, nuclear energy, renewable energies, conservation, recycling, sustainability
- Social and political - including the role of the media, racism, immigration, social exclusion and integration, terrorism, world of work (employment, commerce, globalization)
What is expected?
We discuss these topics in class. You will enjoy the course if you have a real interest in the world in which you live. We look at authentic materials such as French/German magazines, TV, video and audio recordings. You will be encouraged to come into contact with the language as much as you can through your own reading.
Assessment
At the end of year 12 there are two papers, these will qualify you for the AS level: (1) Listening, reading and writing (2) Speaking
In year 13 there are also two papers in the same skills. Students will have the opportunity at this level to study films, books or two areas in the target country in depth.
Where can it lead?
A language qualification at 'A' and 'AS' level is viewed increasingly by both universities and employers as a valuable asset. Whether your intended career is in Business Administration, Banking, Journalism, Marketing, Publishing, Secretarial Work, Travel and tourism, Translating or Interpreting, there are few employers left who have not realised the true significance of the single European Market and its importance to Britain. At a time when foreign languages are increasing in importance, your qualification in languages can only enhance your chances of success, as well as bringing you personal pleasure in your ability to communicate.
Extra-curricular activities
We hope that you will take part in an exchange with your target country at least once during your time in the Sixth Form./ There are also opportunities to attend study days at universities.
We offer the opportunity to do work experience abroad - either in France or Germany.
