Modern Foreign Languages - Castle Sixth Form

Modern Foreign Languages
Exam Board: OCR

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With the ever-growing influence of Europe on our lives, it is becoming increasingly important to be able to communicate in more than one language. Learning a Foreign Language creates opportunities to gain a greater understanding of other cultures, to broaden horizons and to acquire essential communication skills. Languages can be combined successfully with any other subject at A Level and degree level.

At A Level students study the language and socio-cultural aspects of life in French, German or Spanish speaking countries through a range of topics. The use of the target language is encouraged throughout and we expect students to engage in lively discussion. You will be asked to debate topics and take part in role play situations. Teachers will use up to date news broadcasts and articles from magazines and newspapers in order to inform you about the different aspects of life in target language countries. The course is structured so that four modules are studied each year and these will form the basis of the reading, writing and listening exams and also the speaking test.

How is the course organised and examined?

AS: The topics for AS languages are:

Aspects of Daily Life
Communication and Media
Leisure and Entertainment
Education and Training

Examination:
Unit 1 – Speaking (30%) Role play + presentation of a prepared topic
Unit 2 – Listening/Reading/Writing (70%)

A2: The topics for A2 languages are:

Society
Science and Technology
The Environment
Culture

Examination:
Unit 1 – Speaking (30%) Discussion of text + presentation of a topic
Unit 2 – Listening/Reading/Writing (70%)

What can I do with this qualification?
You could pursue your Language studies at university as your main subject choice or you could consider a dual honours degree with a Language. e.g. Law with French / Engineering with German / Business Studies with Spanish. With a background in a Western language you have the skills to embark on the study of an Eastern language ab initio eg. Chinese/ Japanese/ Arabic.

Many universities encourage students to complete Language modules to enhance their employment prospects. Modern Linguists can look to Europe for many exciting employment opportunities with major European based firms. Historically, there has been a wide range of employers for Language graduates; the Civil Service, local authorities and other public sector organisations, journalist organisations including the BBC, manufacturing and commercial companies, financial institutions, solicitors' firms and publishing companies.

Are there any specific entry requirements?
In addition to the Castle requirement of five GCSEs, it is a condition of the course to have completed Higher Level papers and to have gained at least a B Grade at GCSE.

Further opportunities
If you study French, you have an opportunity to take part in our very successful exchange with Liège in Belgium. This usually takes place in the spring term. German students have always thoroughly enjoyed the two week work experience exchange with partner schools in Munich.