Modern Languages
What are Modern Languages A levels about?
If you are considering an AS or A level in a modern language, it is likely that you have already studied a language at GCSE level. In some respects, doing an AS/A level will be a continuation of what you did at GCSE. You will still practise the same skills (reading, listening, writing, speaking), learn vocabulary and grammar.
So what are the differences?
Obviously, the level. There is a big gap between GCSE and AS/A level standards. To do well in these subjects, students need more grammar and a more extended vocabulary. Modern languages are demanding A levels.
The subject matter. The GCSE course is based on students daily lives. You were asked to write or talk about what you do at home, at school etc. At AS level, we start taking a higher perspective. The course deals with issues in society, such as education, health, environment. This makes the AS course broader, and therefore more interesting than language GCSEs.
What you get out of it. With a GCSE, you might be able to survive in a restaurant or hotel. An A level gives you the grounding to have real conversations with real people. Quite a few of our former students have moved to France, Spain, etc to live and work there.
What does the course consist of?
Lessons are structured around the above skills and topics. Typically, one lesson will use audio material as a starting point to studying vocabulary and grammar. Another lesson will be based on written text. Once a week, students are grouped in smaller sets (maximum of four students) to prepare and practise their oral topics. There are also structured grammar sessions, in which we revise basic, GCSE level grammar before moving on to more advanced aspects.
At AS level, there is one language paper which combines listening, reading and writing tests. The second unit is the oral exam, which is examined (but not marked!) by the students' term-time teacher.
At A2 level, the written paper includes translation, writing and civilisation. The other unit is another oral exam, again examined by our teachers.
Sample questions
A typical listening or reading exam will include short tasks (true and false, gaps etc.) and longer answers in French or English. To perform well, you will need a wide range of vocabulary to understand the audio/printed material and express yourself, and enough grammar to structure your answers accurately.
Whom does the subject suit?
Modern Languages suit those who are curious to discover new cultures and 'travel' in the broadest sense of the word, or those who see themselves as globe-trotting businessmen! Success involves a highly disciplined attitude to memorising vocabulary on a daily basis, the ability to grasp grammatical concepts and to mimic strange sounds.
How are Modern Languages taught at d'Overbroeck's?
At first, students are often surprised at how little interested we are in their previous achievements in the subject. We do ask them what they achieved at GCSE, but as we tell them, that is no indication of how well they are going to do at AS/A level. We tend to start again from scratch and spend the best part of the first term revising and strengthening basic vocabulary and grammar. That said, we have a very flexible approach and, with a higher standard group, we quickly move on to more advanced language. One aspect that our students particularly appreciate is the smaller oral groups, which mean they do not have to speak the language in front of twenty other students in the early stages of the course – always a daunting prospect!
What books can I read to get a sense of the subject?
Although many of us use our own material rather than textbooks, any AS/A level textbook would give you an idea of the topics and standard of the course. However, we tend to keep a more traditional, structured approach than many modern textbooks.
What websites are useful to look at?
For more information about the structure and content of the course, you can have a look at the Edexcel website
Who will teach me?
The Department of Modern Languages at d'Overbroeck's is probably unique in that all the members of staff are native speakers. Almost all of them have taught at d'Overbroeck's for several years and are highly experienced and successful in preparing students for the AS and A level exams.
- French: Christophe Brinster (M ès L), Christine Martelloni (MSc) and Pascale Lafeber (MA)
- German: Dr Susanne Kreitz
- Spanish: Ana Rodriguez-Nodal
- Italian: Elena Germanino
- Russian: Natalia Walker
- Japanese: Keiko Harada
- Mandarin & Chinese: Jingping Fan
What might Modern Languages A level(s) lead onto?
Modern languages are among the top A levels in terms of university application, whether you are planning to apply for a language course or many other degrees. If you are applying for a 'mainstream' language (French, Spanish, German, etc), a good A level grade in the same language is usually required. Indeed, quite a few of our students move on to a language degree. Interestingly, statistics provided by university language departments show that most students with a language degree do not go on to a career in which the language is the main focus (eg teaching, translating). Instead, many language graduates work in businesses, banking, etc. An A level in a mainstream language can also lead to a degree in a less popular language that you have never studied before (eg with a French A level, you can start a degree in Arabic never having studied it).
Note that a language A level for a native speaker (ie you are German and do a German A level) might not be taken into consideration by universities.