Modern Languages

Who does this subject?

Languages are taken by a wider and wider variety of people because they are essential in the world of business, as well as being good proof of the sort of “breadth” required by universities seeking to recruit, for example, medical students.  An AS level language will give you the edge you need to get into popular careers, where there are many applicants but only a few are successful.  If you go on to A2 level, you are thinking of high-powered careers for the ablest students – such as advertising, the diplomatic service, translating and interpreting, merchant banking, export marketing, civil service – as well as the possibility of working at a variety of levels in industries such as travel and tourism and hotel and catering. One of our recent ex-students now works for Ed Balls!

Qualification: 
AS Modern Languages
Length: 
Level 3 one year course, 4 Periods a week
Unit 1: 

Name and code of unit: FN1 (French), GN1 (German) or SN1 (Spanish)

Percentage of total AS mark: 40%

Method of assessment (coursework, exam, etc.): 

Oral examination. Half of the oral examination consists of a discussion led by the examiner on both elements of the AS topics (see below under “content”) that come up in the examination. The other half of the oral is a general conversation about you, your studies/plans for the future, and your leisure pursuits. Each part of the oral is worth the same percentage of marks as the other.

Unit 2: 

Name and code of unit: FN2 (French), GN2 (German), or SN2 (Spanish)

Percentage of total AS mark: 60%

Method of assessment (coursework, exam, etc.): Exam

Content:

The content is the same for Units 1 and 2.  Within these subjects we study:

  • Leisure and lifestyles, including travel and tourism, sport, hobbies, entertainment, customs, traditions, healthy living  – health and nutrition, diet and exercise; unhealthy living – drugs, aids, smoking, alcohol, etc. 
  • The Individual and Society, including relationships and responsibilities, gender issues, youth culture (values, peer groups, fashions and trends etc.), education, vocational training and future careers.
What the department specifically offers that is noteworthy...: 

As you can see from the student comments below - from the recent (and anonymous) Exit Surveys, we are deeply committed to excellence in teaching and using modern technology. 

  • “The IT usage has made the lessons hugely interesting”. 
  • “Excellent use of ICT. Excellent resources available for revision.”
  • “Handouts are really good . Teaching is excellent.”
  • “Great teacher.”
  • “Great teaching and a lot of help from assistants.”
  • “Broadens your mind.”
  • “Interesting.”
  • “Challenging.”
  • “It’s just the best.”
  • “Fantastic facilities! Fantastic language.”
  • “Extremely good teaching and resources available.”
  • “Makes you think.”
  • “Fun and enjoyable.”
  • “You learn things about life and opinions - not just about the language.”
  • “Extremely organised and large amount of information on topics available.”

 

The learning resources at Loreto are unique and set a standard of excellence second to none. OFSTED inspectors have repeatedly commented on them, with the following extracted from the first two of our last 3 inspections:-
  • “Outstanding use of ICT in teaching and learning.”
  • “At the cutting edge of development in Further Education at a national level.”

 

Exam Board: 
WJEC
GCSE Requirements: 
General College entry requirements. PLUS French, German, Spanish grade A*-C is required for Frence, German, Spanish AS.