Modern Foreign Language

French, German or Spanish  

Qualification   

AS Level (Level 3)
A Level (Level 3)
          

What does the course involve?

Offering three options (French, German and Spanish), the Modern Foreign Languages courses follow the same syllabus and offer the same chance to excel in your chosen language (or languages).

The AS and A Level syllabuses include culture, current affairs and ethical issues such as immigration, crime, politics and religious beliefs, as well as developing your language skills. You will also study film at AS Level, and both film and literature at A Level, giving you an insight into the culture of your chosen language. For example, in German, AS Level students have studied Dennis Gansel's hit film 'Die Welle', which proved thought-provoking.

Overseas Partnerships

With our partner, Cité Scolaire René Pellet in Villeurbanne, Lyon, annual exchange visits to France are organised and places on the trip are prioritised for language students. The exchanges offer you the chance to explore a new culture as well as practising the language. Students often stay in contact with their French peers via email and social media.

We have links with Nikolauspflege school in Stuttgart. We organise biennial trips to Germany, offering you the chance to explore new cultures and practise your German language skills. Places on the trip are prioritised for language students and are much enjoyed by students on both sides of the partnership.

RNC is developing a partnership with ONCE (Organización Nacional de Ciegos Españoles), who have bases in the Spanish cities of Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Santander and Pontevedra. You may also have the opportunity to visit Galicia, with the chance to explore a new culture as well as practising your Spanish language skills.

Teaching methods

Students are taught in small groups;  there is a mixture of discussion, reading and written work. You will need to undertake lesson preparation tasks as well as formal ‘homework’ and assessment practice. There are opportunities to practice your language skills with native speakers outside of the classroom.

Students also have the opportunity to take part in field trips to France, Spain and Germany.

Requirements

For AS and A Level you should have five GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C (grade 4) or above; these should include French, Mathematics and English Language. However, individual circumstances can be discussed at your Pre-Entry Assessment.  

Assessment methods

Assessment is by examination. There are three papers at both levels. An oral exam (at A level you will prepare a project to speak about); A listening, reading and translation into English paper and a translation to target language and essay on film/book paper.   Exam formats can include questions that are very challenging for people with visual impairments – we specialise in finding ways of helping you to succeed.

Duration

1 year for AS Level
2 years for A Level
 
AS and A Level are separate qualifications but are taught alongside each other for the first year. This gives AS students the opportunity to switch to the full A Level if they are ready.

Where will it take me?

Being able to speak another language gives you a big advantage when it comes to applying for jobs. Many companies now say that they prefer staff to be able to speak a second language. The language skills you learn at RNC will equip you to work in a range of professional workplaces. Language A Levels will also prepare you for higher education if you choose to continue your studies at university. Careers include: translator, international business, education consultant, English as a foreign language teacher, logistics and distribution manager.