Modern Foreign Languages

IB - French, German, Italian, Spanish and English

French, German, Spanish and Latin can all be taken at Standard Level or Higher Level. English is available at Higher Level only. Spanish and Italian are also offered as an Ab Initio Standard Level course (in Groups 6 and 2 respectively – see page 39).

Why study another language?
Communication and understanding of others lie at the heart of the IBO mission statement. Studying another language and its culture in depth helps broaden your outlook and prepare you for the ever-changing world you will face when you leave school. Fostering international cooperation will be essential, and a good grasp of a second language is fundamental in achieving this.

Whichever language you choose, you will develop your

• Communication and intrapersonal skills
• Comprehension and production of a variety of text styles
• Ability to make articulate presentations
• Refinement of research and analytical skills
• In-depth knowledge of a variety of other cultures and societies and of international affairs.

How good must I be?
If you wish to study another language at HL, we recommend 7 or above at GCSE. For SL, a 5 at GCSE is generally sufficient, while to take up a language ab initio, no previous knowledge is required.

Course structure
Core: All languages studied follow the compulsory core, with topics common at both levels, and divided into five themes:
1. Identities 
2. Experiences  
3. Human Ingenuity
4. Social Organisation
5. Sharing the Planet

At Higher level pupils also read two works of literature, chosen from the prescribed list of authors.

Assessment:

Standard and Higher Level
External Assessment  75%

Paper 1
Written response (25%)

Paper 2
listening and reading comprehension (50%)

Internal Assessment 25%
One oral examination, internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB.

HL pupils face longer comprehension passages and must produce more lengthy written responses, in addition to studying literature, which is tested via oral examination.
 

 

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A Level - Modern Foreign Languages, French, German and Spanish

Exam Board: Edexcel  www.edexcel.com
Syllabus Code: 9FR0 (French), 9GN0 (German), 9SP0 (Spanish)

Is this the right subject for me?
If you are finding it hard to make your A Level choices because there is just too much that you want to learn, then an A Level in a modern language may be the solution for you! The course is broader and more varied than any other and of course it offers the additional bonus of achieving an advanced level of fluency in a foreign language. Students are too quick to turn away from Languages, either because they find it harder than other subjects or because the GCSE course doesn’t convey their relevance effectively. The A Level course is completely different and it is plain to see why Russell Group Universities all have Languages on their list of the most desirable, facilitating subjects.  

What will I learn?
An A Level in Modern Languages helps you understand the language, society and culture of the country or countries where the language is spoken. You will learn new grammar and vocabulary and you will be able to translate into and out of English. You will develop your critical thinking, creativity and independence and also develop skills to be able to learn other languages more effectively. As mentioned above, the course is extremely varied, allowing you to maintain your interest in Geography, History, The Arts, how to analyse texts and much more. The first theme covers changes to the structure of our society, looking at ethics and of course sociology. After that, we tackle cultural development, learning about music, freedom of speech and festivals. Theme three is immigration: the benefits to and challenges faced by the countries where the language is spoken. This theme makes links to Politics, Economics, Geography, History as well as current affairs. Finally, we learn about an exciting period of historical importance from the 20th century: World War 2 in French, Reunification in German and Franco’s Dictatorship in Spanish. We also study one novel and one film, an analysis of which forms the final written examination. For the oral, you have a free choice of topic to research and present to the examiner. Our students’ choice of topics has ranged from researching the effect of media coverage on the popularity of women’s sport to how the Stasi became so successful in the German Democratic Republic.  

Why study a language?
Learning languages encourages you to:
Develop skills which are useful in a wide range of careers, such as the ability to communicate clearly, be confident about speaking in public, use problem-solving strategies and write coherently.
Develop critical thinking, creativity and independence.
Add an international dimension to your choice of A Level subjects, which is something many employers and higher education providers want.

Have greater opportunities to work and/or study abroad, or work for companies in the UK with international links.
Learn more about countries where the language is spoken, and the people who speak it.
Read books and watch films in their original language.
Spend time abroad (e.g. at university or on a work placement).  

Requirements
A 7 at GCSE would indicate that the choice to study a language to A Level is appropriate. Where there is any doubt, subject staff will advise.

What career pathways are open to me if I study this subject?
In almost every sector, people with language skills and knowledge have an advantage over people without them. They stand out as talented and successful people, with broad and exciting horizons. Success at A Level means you will:
Add an extra international dimension to your personal skills profile which will impress people who read your CV.
Be in a stronger position to get a job in companies with international links.
Be able to work or study in a foreign-speaking country in later life.
Find it easier to learn other languages later.
Add a useful skill if the primary focus of your A Level subjects is not languages.

Languages support careers in a range of areas including Management, Business, Science and Tourism.

Assessment:

Key Facts:
Choice of two questions based on the set text and film for the written examination. All assessed through 2 target language essays.
Independent research project assessed within the speaking exam.
Compulsory themes: social issues and trends; political and artistic culture; immigration and history.
New Assessment Objective around knowledge and understanding of the target language culture – pupils will need to demonstrate this in the speaking and writing components.

Each language follows the same pattern of assessment:
Paper 1  40%
Listening, reading and translation into English 
80 marks

Paper 2  30%
Written response to works  and translation into the  target language 
120 marks

Paper 3  30%
Speaking: Internally conducted and  externally assessed 
72 marks    

I have learnt so much about the culture and society, I feel as though I know it even better than my own.
A Level pupil at the end of the course