Modern Languages

French AQA 8658

German AQA 8668

Spanish AQA 8698

Why study Modern Languages?

  • Languages broaden your horizons and open up a whole new world of opportunity.

  • There are over 5000 degree courses in the UK which involve the study of languages. You can study languages combined with hundreds of other subjects such as Law, Economics, Engineering, History, Finance, Media, Broadcasting, Biology etc.

Learning languages helps you to become a more confident communicator. You can experiment with new words and phrases is both fun and challenging. Whether or not you intend to specialise in this area, knowledge of one or more languages:

  • Enhances your job prospects – almost all jobs can be enhanced by the ability to speak a different language. Employers are crying out for graduates with language skills.

  • Helps your university application – universities are looking for students with a wide range of transferable skills. Languages are the ultimate in facilitating subjects.

  • Makes it possible to study abroad in a non-English speaking country without the exorbitant university fees – study Sociology in Spain, Physics in France or Geography in Germany! More and more universities also offer a year abroad as part of non-language degrees.

  • Helps if you plan to travel the world either in a gap year or later.

Everyone takes at least one language to GCSE but why not think about taking two languages at Key Stage 4? That way, you are leaving lots of options open when you have to make your Sixth Form choices. Obviously, we would recommend the options that lead to two language GCSEs to anyone who really enjoys their language lessons. In order to do a language at A Level, you have to do it at GCSE. The only exceptions to this might be girls who are native speakers. Speak to your teachers for details.

French, German and Spanish require the language to have been studied at KS3. If you speak a language at home which isn’t taught as part of our curriculum, we will try to make it possible for you to take exams in the language here if you so wish, although not as a replacement for our language options.

How are the GCSE courses in French, German and Spanish organised?

1. Identity and Culture – Me, my family and friends. Technology in everyday life. Free-time activities. Customs and festivals in French/German/Spanish speaking areas.

2. Local, national, international and global areas of interest – Home, town, neighbourhood and region. Social issues. Global issues. Travel and tourism.

3. Current and future study and employment – My studies. Life at school/college. Education post-16. Jobs, career choices and ambitions.

You have already studied aspects of these in your language lessons. You will continue to use a course book and will make use of your device to access some of the exciting language learning websites to which we subscribe.

How is it assessed?

There is no coursework; all of the exams are at the end of the two year period. Speaking exams will be conducted by your teacher towards the end of the course, and then sent away for marking.

Other Information

We run exchanges with partner schools in France, Spain and Germany. As well as having a great time, you will come back speaking much more fluently and with increased confidence.

How can I find out more?

See Mr Baird (Head of MFL), Mrs Aston, Mrs Medley, your languages teacher or the Language Subject Ambassadors. Have a look at the AQA website where you will find the specifications: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/gcse/french-8658 https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/gcse/german-8668 https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/gcse/spanish-8698