Message from Emma Parr, Head of MFL
We live in a multicultural world and companies are increasingly aware of the advantages of recruiting people with language skills and an A-Level language course in French, German or Spanish will combine well with any other programme of study here at Barrow Hall College. Careers in business, marketing, journalism, engineering, law, and tourism all demand good communication skills, and the ability to speak a foreign language will give you the edge when applying for jobs.
Our class sizes are small, creating the perfect environment to enable your language skills to develop and consequently your confidence in your own ability to speak and write with increasing fluency will grow. Our A-Level students have participated in trips to Barcelona, Madrid, Leipzig, Köln, and Paris in past years, and we have also welcomed Language Assistants to work with pupils on a one-to-one basis to help improve your confidence in speaking the language.
In recent years some students have continued their studies of French, German or Spanish at degree level whilst others have gone on to combine their study with other subjects such as law and education. The beauty of studying a language is that it is so versatile; it complements work across many different sectors and combines with a wide range of other subjects at degree level. What’s more it is a rewarding lifelong skill that you can continue to enjoy whatever your future holds!
A-Level French
Exam Board
AQA
Entry Requirements
A minimum of 3 grade 5s including English Language and French and 2 grade 4s at GCSE.
What will I study?
Units in The changing nature of family; The ‘cyber-society;’ The place of voluntary work; A culture proud of its heritage; Contemporary francophone music Cinema: the 7th art form Positive features of a diverse society; Life for the marginalised; How criminals are treated; The critical study of one French film and one book
How will I be assessed?
You will be externally assessed on two written examination papers and an oral examination at the end of the course.
What will it lead to?
You may go onto study languages at university or a combined language and another subject at undergraduate level. Future careers may include interpreting; translating; teaching; international aid; law; diplomatic services; journalism or speech and language therapy.
A-Level German
Exam Board
AQA
Entry Requirements
A minimum of 3 grade 5s including English Language and German and 2 grade 4s at GCSE.
What will I study?
Units in The changing nature of family; The digital world Youth culture: fashion, music and television Festivals and traditions Art and architecture; The cultural life of Berlin past and present Immigration; Integration Racism Germany and the European Union Politics and young people German reunification and its consequences; The critical study of one German film and one book.
How will I be assessed?
You will be externally assessed on two written examination papers and an oral examination at the end of the course.
What will it lead to?
You may go onto study languages at university or a combined language and another subject at undergraduate level. Future careers may include interpreting; translating; teaching; international aid; law; diplomatic services; journalism or speech and language therapy.
A-Level Spanish
Exam Board
AQA
Entry Requirements
A minimum of 3 grade 5s including English Language and Spanish and 2 grade 4s at GCSE.
What will I study?
Units in based and the following areas will be studied: Modern and traditional values (family, marriage, the church); Cyberspace; Equal rights; Multiculturalism in Hispanic society; Modern day idols; Spanish regional identity; Cultural heritage (music, art ,architecture, literature); Today’s youth, tomorrow’s citizens; Monarchies and dictatorships; Popular movements; Critical study of one Hispanic film and one book.
How will I be assessed?
You will be externally assessed on two written examination papers and an oral examination at the end of the course.
What will it lead to?
You may go onto study languages at university or a combined language and another subject at undergraduate level. Future careers may include interpreting; translating; teaching; international aid; law; diplomatic services; journalism or speech and language therapy.