KS5 (Years 12-13)
Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form)
Students have the opportunity to study French, German or Spanish to A level, following the AQA syllabus. We use a range of up-to-date and authentic resources as well as following the AQA textbooks published by Hodder Education and Oxford. Students also study a film and a piece of literature in their chosen language over the two years of the course. Each A level is taught by two teachers who divide the syllabus up into their specialist areas. We have highly qualified and experienced teachers in each language.
An A level in MFL helps students develop confident, effective communication skills and a thorough understanding of the culture of the countries around the world where the target language is spoken. The course develops an interest in, and enthusiasm for, language learning and encourages students to consider the language in a broader context.
There is a long-standing record of excellent success at A level which enables students to further their studies beyond Sixth Form. An A level in a language can lead to:
- Undergraduate study of a language at university, including the opportunity to begin studying new languages from scratch
- Combined honours degrees at university (such as economics, sociology etc. with a language) including the opportunity to study abroad for a year
- Combined honours degrees at university (such as business, engineering etc. with a language) including the opportunity to work in industry abroad for a year
- Job opportunities within international businesses
- Enhanced opportunities for travel
- Specialist language jobs including translation, interpreting, teaching or jobs in the tourist industry
Each A level is split into “Social issues and trends” (6 topics) and “Political and artistic culture” (6 topics). In addition, students study a text and a film and will also complete an individual research project to form the basis of their presentation for the speaking exam.
YEAR 12 |
FRENCH |
GERMAN |
SPANISH |
Social issues and trends (3 topics) |
The changing nature of family |
The changing nature of family |
Modern and traditional values |
The ‘cyber-society’ |
The digital world |
Cyberspace |
|
The place of voluntary work |
Youth culture: fashion and trends, music, television |
Equal rights |
|
Political and artistic culture (3 topics) |
A culture proud of its heritage |
Festivals and traditions |
Modern day idols |
Contemporary francophone music |
Art and architecture |
Spanish regional identity |
|
Cinema: the 7th art form |
Cultural life in Berlin, past and present |
Cultural heritage |
|
Film |
Au revoir les enfants – Louis Malle |
Das Leben der Anderen - Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck |
El laberinto del Fauno – Guillermo del Toro |
YEAR 13 |
FRENCH |
GERMAN |
SPANISH |
Social issues and trends (3 topics) |
Positive features of a diverse society |
Immigration |
Immigration |
Life for the marginalised |
Integration |
Racism |
|
How criminals are treated |
Racism |
Integration |
|
Political and artistic culture (3 topics) |
Teenagers, the right to vote and political commitment |
Germany and the European Union |
Today’s youth, tomorrow’s citizens |
Demonstrations, strikes – who holds the power? |
Politics and youth |
Monarchies and dictatorships |
|
Politics and immigration |
German re-unification and its consequences |
Popular movements |
|
Set text |
Un sac de billes – Joseph Joffo |
Der Besuch der alten Dame - Friedrich Dürrenmatt |
La casa de Bernada Alba – Federico García Lorca |