French/Spanish (A Level)

GCE A LEVEL

Introduction to Course

The GCE Language course is stimulating and enables students to develop their linguistic skills alongside their understanding of the culture and society of countries where the target language is spoken. Students study from a prescribed topic list, which includes technological and social change, diversity and the benefits it brings. Students will study highlights of target language-speaking artistic culture, including music and cinema and learn about political engagement and who wields political power in the target language-speaking world. Students also explore the influence of the past on present-day communities. Throughout their studies, they will learn the language in the context of target language-speaking countries and the issues and influences which have shaped them. Students will study texts and film and have the opportunity to carry out independent research on an area of their choice.

Exam Board/Specification

AQA GCE in French or Spanish. Click here to learn more about the course on the AQA website.

Modules/Units

  • 1. Social issues and trends
  • 2. Political and artistic culture
  • 3. Grammar
  • 4. Works: Literary texts and film

Assessments

  • Paper 1 – Listening Reading and Writing – 2 hours 30 minutes (40% of A-level)
  • Paper 2 – Writing – 2 hours (30% of A- level)
  • Paper 3 – Speaking – 21-23 minutes (30% of A-level)

Progression Routes

Modern Foreign Language graduates have some of the highest rates of graduate employment. It is great skill to have for any kind of career involving travel, European politics, engineering and journalism. Not to mention that any international company will always value language skills. Popular careers for people with modern foreign language qualifications include: business careers, engineer, journalist, lawyer, and entrepreneur. Having a language A Level will help you to stand out in the eyes of any employer, as there are not many sixth forms and colleges who offer languages at A Level;  it is a sure fire way to get noticed. At university, you can combine a language with many other subjects including: European studies, politics, international relations, history, maths, business studies, law and many more.