1. Welcome to Languages A Level
By the end of this course you will:
Develop your written and spoken language and be able to use French/German/Spanish independently.
Develop an understanding of the countries and cultures where your language is spoken.
Be confident studying texts and films in your chosen language, and critically analyse a variety of different cultural themes.
We’re a facilitating subject too!

2. Languages A Level: Course content You will study... Overview
Additional studies
In Year 12
Theme 1: Social changes in the country of study
Theme 2: Culture and art in the … speaking world
In Year 13
Theme 3: Immigration and multi-culturalism in the country of study
A novel/play in the target language (with student input)
Theme 4: A period of historical significance in the country of study
A film in the target language

3. Languages A Level: Assessment Exam board: Spanish: AQA French: Edexcel
German: TBC
Assessment:
Percentage:
Detail:
Examination
100%
3 exams sat at the end of Year 13.
Paper 1: 2hr (40%)
Paper 2: 2hr 40 mins (30%)
Paper 3 (speaking): 30%
Coursework -
Please see above logos for all other exam boards to personalise for your course

4. Languages A Level Requirements Which skills are needed?
Course requirements
B grade in the language of study at GCSE
Which skills are needed?
Language skills developed at GCSE
Essay writing skills
Engagement with the wider world
Research and analytical skills
Expectations and workload
3 internal formal assessments completed per academic year
1-2 homework assignments completed per week (essays or grammar exercises)
High level of independent study and revision of vocab and grammar to support classroom learning
An active interest in current affairs

5. Languages A Level Further information 2015/6 Course Performance
100% of students achieved an A*-C grade by the end of Year 13
Course enrichment:
Exchange programmes in all languages.
Debating trips and other UK based enrichment trips.
French trip to Paris – your future in Europe
2015/6 Example student destination(s)
Spanish and management at the university of Leeds.
Japanese & Asian Studies et Leeds,
French & Arabic at the University of Oxford
Department contact details
Mr Alex Adams

6. A Level languages: Common concerns and questions
Will I be able to cope? Will it be too difficult? Will it be very different from GCSE? There is a bit of a change in pace initially BUT the speed, amount and nature of progress bridges this gap very quickly. Small groups allow for targeted and personalised support and high quality interaction. The differences between GCSE and A Level are positive – A Level languages allow you to develop into a really successful linguist. The vast majority of A Level students continue their languages studies at university or in their chosen career. Even if it is not the main focus, they take electives or complete work experience using their languages.

7. A Level languages – destination University!
“Languages may be passport to Oxbridge, data suggests”.
Cambridge university and languages: Acceptance rate of 44.2% (2014).
Oxford university and languages: Acceptance rate of 32% (2014).
This is a re-occurring pattern across universities around the country

8. Languages A Level: Enrichment
Exchanges! Longwy (French – with trips to Metz & Strasbourg). Valencia (Spanish), Burladingen (German).
Study trip to Paris… Your future in Europe cross-curricular weekend.
Aston University business language taster weekend (on campus experience).
SCOOP! debating competition.
Volunteering – in languages’ lessons, at events and elsewhere. An opportunity to gain and develop confidence and a range of different skills