Modern Languages at KS5

Why study a language at A Level? What is in it for me? For my future?

Click here to see a video of some past students

Studying languages at A level is not only an exciting challenge, but also an excellent way to develop your communication skills and discover more about other societies and their cultures.

The course is based around the language and contemporary society. You will get extra time with the Languages Assistants to give you that extra support.

The course is focusing on contemporary French and German and is therefore extremely flexible and useful for personal enjoyment, business or Higher Education. When competition for a university place is fierce, having studied a language is often an advantage when applying for any degree. Most of our students go on to study for a language degree or to combine the study of a new language with that of another subject at degree level. This will often lead to an opportunity to spend a year abroad. There is no doubt that studying a language will also enhance your prospects in the world of work.

During year 12 and 13, there will be the chance to undertake a week of work experience in a primary school in Germany or Belgium. To maximise the benefits of total immersion in the language, you will stay with a local family and will take part in sightseeing visits and also get to socialise with your host family and their friends. This will provide a boost for your linguistic skills as well as giving you an insight into other cultures and the daily life of the country you are visiting. This is a fantastic opportunity to not only have a taste of a different type of work experience but it is also an invaluable addition to completion of a UCAS form.

Independent Learning

It is vital that students boost their listening and reading skills by using websites and keeping up to date with current affairs programmes such as watching the news on the TV and radio as well as other programmes from those countries.

Regular vocabulary learning is key to success and to help with this, pupils are encouraged to take advantage of additional lessons with the language assistants organised as part of the timetable.

The New Specifications for French and German

The specification is designed to be taken over one or two years. The specification is identical for French and for German.

This is a linear qualification. In order to achieve the award, students must complete all assessments at the end of the course and in the same series.

Students will develop their understanding of themes relating to the society and the culture of the countries where the language is spoken, and their language skills. The approach is a focus on how the target country’s society has been shaped socially and culturally, and how it will continue to change.

Students will study aspects of the social context together with aspects of the artistic life of Target Language countries.

German

At AS German, students will study a range of topics. These will be covered through all 4 skills using a wide range of resources and media.

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.
STUDY OF A GERMAN SPEAKING FILM . We study “ Goodbye, Lenin! “ W Becker.

At A2 German, students will continue developing their linguistic skills and cultural knowledge of the country studied through the following range of topics.

MULTICULTURALISM IN THE GERMAN SPEAKING WORLD
Immigration
Integration
Racism
ASPECTS OF POLITICAL LIFE IN THE GERMAN SPEAKING WORLD
Germany and the European Union
Youth and Politics
The German reunification and its consequences
STUDY OF A GERMAN PLAY. We study : “ Der Besuch der alten Dame” Fr. Dürrenmatt

French

At AS French, students will study a range of topics. These will be covered through all 4 skills using a wide range of resources and media.

ASPECTS OF FRENCH SPEAKING SOCIETY
The changing state of the family
The digital world
Volunteering and its role in society
ARTISTIC CULTURE IN THE FRENCH SPEAKING WORLD
French heritage and culture
French heritage and tourism
French heritage: music and cinema
STUDY OF A FRENCH SPEAKING FILM . We study “ LES 400 COUPS “ Truffaut

At A2 French, students will continue developing their linguistic skills and cultural knowledge of the country studied through the following range of topics.

DIVERSIFICATION IN THE FRENCH SPEAKING WORLD
Positive aspects of a diverse society
Criminality and justice
Marginalisation and integration
ASPECTS OF POLITICAL LIFE IN THE FRENCH SPEAKING WORLD
Youth and politics
Strikes and demonstrations
Politics and Immigration
STUDY OF A FRENCH BOOK. We study : “ No et Moi.” Delphine de Vigan

The assessment covers all 4 skills. At the moment, our Year 12 students sit the AQA AS exam at the end of Year 12, for which they get an AS AWARD. They continue until the end of Year 13 and sit the Full A2 Award and receive the full A2 Award. The exam is linear, so even with an AS Award, students will be examined on the content of the 2 years. All the skills are practised and integrated in the everyday teaching and learning.

Each student will be issued with their own copy of the textbook used and will have their own log on details to access the digibook version and extra resources.

It is important from day 1 to keep in top of the vocabulary and to do independent work. Listen to the radio, watch films in the original language, download language Apps and use them everyday: e.g.

GERMAN : Quizlet/News in slow German/ Deutsche Welle / ZDF / Goethe Institut / der Spiegel / Deutschland.de/ WDR 3 / etc …

FRENCH : Quizlet / News in slow French / France Inter / BRUT / Franceinfo / France 24 / J’aime le français / etc ….

At AS , all skills are assessed but only on the topics and skills covered during the first year.

At A2, the assessment is as shown below :

At AS , all skills are assessed but only on the topics and skills covered during the first year.

At A2, the assessment is as shown below:

(Note that for the Listening ( both at AS and A2 ), you will be issued with your own listening devise, so you can manage your time independently during the allocated time for Paper 1.)

The above taken from, and further Information can be accessed via AQA New Specifications for As and A Level:

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/as-and-a-level

We really hope that you find this course exciting and challenging!

If you would like further information about studying French or German at A Level, do not hesitate to contact :
Mrs A Parker – Head of Modern Languages a.parker@thepolesworthschool.com