Modern Languages

At d’Overbroeck’s there is an exceptionally wide range of languages on offer. Apart from French, Spanish, German and Italian, there is also Russian, Chinese and Japanese. While for most languages it is necessary to have a good grounding at GCSE or the equivalent before embarking on an AS or A level course, it is possible for very motivated and able students to achieve a high grade at AS level in Spanish in one year from scratch.

Who does Modern Languages suit?

Modern Languages suit those who are curious to discover new cultures and “travel" in the broadest sense of the word, or for 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.

The AS

In French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish the exams consist of the following Units:

¨ Unit l: Listening and Writing (l hour) (30%)

¨ Unit 2 Reading and Writing ( 2 hours) (40%)

¨ Unit 3: Prepared Oral Topic (10-12 mins) (30%)

The A2

Builds on the aspects of the AS level exam outlined above, the latter counting for half the marks of the A level. The main difference is that students have to write two in depth analytical essays on issues relating to the culture of the language concerned.

¨ Unit 4: Oral Discussion of Issues (15 mins) (l5%)

¨ Unit 5: Prescribed Topics and Texts (2 hour exam) or Coursework (2 pieces of extended writing in the Target Language based on culture/society) (15%)

¨ Unit 6: Listening and Writing (45 mins) (5%)

¨ Reading and Writing (45 mins) (5%)

¨ Writing in Registers, which gives an option of creative or journalistic writing, discursive essays or business letters.(10%)

The specifications for the languages such as Chinese are all different. The one thing they have in common is that there is no oral or listening exams.

Exam strategy

¨ First year

May: Units 1, 2 and 3.

June: Unit 6

¨ Second year

January: retake of above units for those whose marks could be improved.

June: retake of above units for those whose marks could be improved.

June: Units 4, 5 and 6

All second year students retake their AS modules in Year Two; their marks cannot go down, so retaking puts them in a win-win situation.

The Department

The Department of Modern Languages at d’Overbroeck’s is probably unique in that with the exception of the Head of Modern Languages, (who is half Belgian, half British), all the other 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.

Malcolm van Biervliet, Head of Department, the author of various articles in Spanish and English on Spanish literature, has taught French and Spanish at d’Overbroeck’s since 1978. His colleagues in the French Department are Christophe Brinster, M ès L, Christine Martelloni, MSc and Pascale Lafeber MA. Dr Susanne Kreitz teaches German, Ana Rodriguez-Nodal teaches Spanish, Sarah Iussig teaches Italian and Galina Appleby teaches Russian.