AS & A2 Modern Foreign Languages

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At Key Stage 5, students study for Edexcel AS/A2 and are lucky enough to make use of lively, Informative and attractive course books:- Brennpunkt for German and Tout Terrain for French. Students are encouraged to master independent learning early on in the course and are made aware that this is the key to success. Students have access to the departmental computer room. There is also the opportunity for work experience in the target language country.

Aims of the Course

More people in Europe speak German as a first language than any other. It is acknowledged as being the language of science and commerce and is widely spoken as a second language in Eastern European countries, eg. Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary etc. French is, after English, one of the most widely used of world languages.

A knowledge of French or German alongside sciences, Business Studies, another foreign language, humanities, psychology or maths could enhance your career prospects and chances to work abroad, in a world where competence in a foreign language is ever increasingly desired or even demanded. It could open up new opportunities in banking, commerce, industry, tourism, customs and excise, the civil service, the diplomatic service as well as teaching. People with good linguistic competency are always in great demand.

What will I need to get on the course?

Realistically you will need a grade B at GCSE, with a willingness and readiness to communicate orally in German or French. Confidence in speaking the language comes with usage and therefore we use the language constantly in lessons. Fluency and accuracy will come with practice.Will I need to spend some time in France or Germany?We recommend that you do spend at least one period in France or Germany, but we cannot and do not insist that you do so. However it is highly beneficial to you and can also be an enjoyable experience. We can help you arrange a visit to stay with a family and/or to spend some time in a work placement, learning about the world of work and putting the language learnt in the classroom into practical use, as well as extending your linguistic and social experiences.

How will the course be taught?

You will normally have 4 lessons a week, and one session with a French or German native speaker for conversation. The course will be taught by two teachers, who will each have responsibility for particular skill areas. In lessons you will hear and speak as much French/German as is practicable, but there will be times when English will be needed for explanations, especially of grammar. You will have the opportunity to read books in the original French/German and you are encouraged to read French/German magazines, newspapers as well as to watch TV programmes and videos in German. We aim to make the lessons as interesting and enjoyable as possible, so that you can learn about the language, culture, history and life in French/German-speaking countries. We also encourage you to use the Internet for researching topics and finding information to help you with your studies.You will be provided with a textbook, which will be supplemented with other resources and materials.

General Topic areas

General topic area 1-3 provide the framework for teaching and assessment of AS Units 1 and 2. AS Unit 3 is a prepared oral topic dealing with an aspect of culture and/or society in the relevant country of the target language. General Topic Areas 1-5 provide the framework for Advanced GCE teaching and assessment.

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