Modern Foreign Languages

In today’s international world, foreign language skills are in demand and highly regarded by employers, universities and all leading institutions. A foreign language qualification not only recognizes your expertise in a particular language but also says a lot about you as a person.

Foreign language pupils acquire many skills which are very relevant in the world of work and higher education. These skills include:

  • Effective communication skills
  • The ability to appreciate and adapt to cultural diversity
  • The ability to think creatively and then express ideas clearly

The above skills are developed through the study of a foreign language and can be applied to the study of any new foreign language at a later stage.

KS4

Course Outline

In the new AQA specifications for French and German, pupils develop their language skills within a variety of topic areas based on three ‘GCSE Themes’. These cover a wide range of themes relevant to today’s young people, providing them with a worthwhile course of study, which guarantees a suitable basis for further study and practical use of modern languages beyond GCSE.

Assessment Information

Assessment takes place in 4 skill areas: Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. These skills are tested as formal examinations in Year 11.

Other Information

To help with their linguistic development, there are established links with Hermann-Lietz-Schule Haubinda in Westhausen, Germany. Pupils will also have access to Foreign Language Assistants when available.

GCSE linguists also receive access to online support websites which provide extensive independent practice materials.

KS5 – German

The study of German at A-level is traditionally considered part of the Arts and Humanities pathway. This could lead you into the study of German, but also facilitate the study of other Germanic languages like Dutch, Swedish or other Scandinavian languages at degree level.

A career in traditional literary or linguistic research, translation or language teaching are the conventional options after an MFL A-Level and can provide a stimulating career path. The aspect of film and literary study included in the A-level syllabus will provide an additional angle if you are looking at a degree in Film Studies, English Literature or Linguistics. If you are looking at a degree in English Language, an in-depth knowledge of German will be invaluable when studying Middle and Old English.

However, languages are also great subjects to broaden your portfolio in any pathway. They prove you have broad interests and include an element of independent research. They will facilitate taking advantage of study abroad opportunities your university may offer. Many universities offer dual degree options like Law with Languages or Business with Languages. This will open doors to international careers in these fields. Germany offers great opportunities in the field of Engineering as well, with companies like Siemens leading in global developments, which makes it a great combination with DT.

Having learnt German to Advanced Level will also turn you into a competent language learner with an array of language learning strategies at your disposal which you will be able to apply to any further languages you may wish to study.

We recommend a period of work experience or study abroad in Germany or a German-speaking country and will assist you in arranging this. Such a period abroad (even if only a few weeks) will provide invaluable experiences and show any prospective university that you are open to new perspectives and not afraid of stepping outside your comfort zone.

Course Outline

After centring on describing your life and experiences in a different language at GCSE, German shifts its focus to the acquisition of new knowledge about Germany and German-speaking countries in the target language. The course is taught exclusively in German and a plethora of authentic materials compliment the textbook.

The course follows the AQA syllabus for A-Level with the option of taking an AS-Level after one year of study. We follow the blue route which begins with the study of cultural topics and the in-depth analysis of a German film in the first year. The course then continues in year 2 with the study of a book in German, further study of German culture and the preparation of an Independent Research Topic. This can be any topic at all as long as it is related to Germany or a German-speaking country.

Assessment

Assessment is in three separate papers. Paper 1 is a combined listening, reading and writing paper with a translation element. It tests your knowledge of the German language and your ability to transfer your language skills to unfamiliar topics. Paper 2 is a set of two essay questions, one each about the book and film you have studied. This tests your in-depth knowledge of the German texts and your ability to write a longer analytic piece. Paper 3 is a speaking exam which is conducted by your teacher but marked centrally by the board. This includes a discussion of two topics which you have studied within the course and the presentation of your Independent Research Project.

KS5 – French

The study of French at A-level is traditionally considered part of the Arts and Humanities pathway. This could lead you into the study of French, but also facilitate the study of other romance languages like Spanish, Portuguese or Italian at degree level. A career in traditional literary or linguistic research, translation or language teaching are the conventional options after an MFL A-Level and can provide a stimulating career path. The aspect of film and literary study included in the A-level syllabus will provide an additional angle if you are looking at a degree in Film Studies, English Literature or Linguistics.

However, languages are also great subjects to broaden your portfolio in any pathway. They prove you have broad interests and include an element of independent research. They will facilitate taking advantage of study abroad opportunities your university may offer. Many universities offer dual degree options like Law with Languages or Business with Languages. This will open doors to international careers in these fields.

Having learnt French to Advanced Level will also turn you into a competent language learner with an array of language learning strategies at your disposal which you will be able to apply to any further languages you may wish to study.

We recommend a period of work experience or study abroad in France or a francophone country and will assist you in arranging this. Such a period abroad (even if only a few weeks) will provide invaluable experiences and show any prospective university that you are open to new perspectives and not afraid of stepping outside your comfort zone.

Course Outline

After centring on describing your life and experiences in a different language at GCSE, French shifts its focus to the acquisition of new knowledge about France and francophone countries in the language. The course is taught exclusively in French and a plethora of authentic materials compliment the textbook.

The course follows the AQA syllabus for A-Level with the option of taking an AS-Level after one year of study. We follow the blue route which begins with the study of cultural topics and the in-depth analysis of a French film in the first year. The course then continues in year 2 with the study of a book in French, further study of French and francophone culture and the preparation of an Independent Research Topic. This can be any topic at all as long as it is related to France or a francophone country.

Assessment

Assessment is in three separate papers. Paper 1 is a combined listening, reading and writing paper with a translation element. It tests your knowledge of the French language and your ability to transfer your language skills to unfamiliar topics. Paper 2 is a set of two essay questions, one each about the book and film you have studied. This tests your in-depth knowledge of the French texts and your ability to write a longer analytic piece. Paper 3 is a speaking exam which is conducted by your teacher but marked centrally by the board. This includes a discussion of two topics which you have studied within the course and the presentation of your Independent Research Project.

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