Modern Foreign Languages

Overview

We offer French, German, Italian and Spanish at A Level. All four languages are taught following on from GCSE. Studying languages at A Level gives you plenty of scope to develop your own interests and to analyse and challenge received opinions, enabling you to formulate your own ideas on current affairs. Emphasis is placed on spoken communication as well as planning, structuring and writing essays. Grammar is taught through translation, and the study of film and literature is at the centre of the A Level syllabus, through which current and political issues are discussed. The course also contains an Independent Research Project, where a student’s area of interest can be explored further.

For further information or to discuss in more detail, please contact:

Mrs T Russell Head of Modern Foreign Languages trussell@kgs.org.uk

Follow us on Twitter: @KGS_MFL

How is the course assessed?

The topics for the MFL A Level courses are rooted in the target language countries and range from social issues, trends and politics to intellectual and artistic culture.

The three exams focus on reading and listening skills, grammar and translation, and, of course, speaking. For the latter, students research their individual topics related to the target language country, taking a critical look at works of literature, film or music, festivals or personalities. Films and literature are also studied as part of the extended writing paper. Sound knowledge of the grammar covered at GCSE level is essential. In addition to your timetabled lessons, you will have one speaking lesson in a small group with the MFL assistant. Grammar skills are honed in order to tackle the demands of the prose translations. Over time these essentially become a very accessible way to test fundamental grammatical knowledge.

Students are strongly encouraged to go abroad during their time in the Sixth Form. Work experience for all languages can be arranged through a company recommended by the School. There is also the opportunity to compete in debating competitions in your target language, which is invaluable preparation for the oral exams.

Many of our Sixth Form linguists mentor younger students, supporting them in their language learning whilst improving their own language skills and increasing confidence.

Examination board

Edexcel

Useful attributes

Studying a language opens up new horizons, gives students access to different countries and cultures and provides stimulation in so many different ways. It is one of the most enjoyable subjects to study and the one thing most adults regret not having pursued when they were younger. It is time to wake up to the enormous advantages that multilingualism can bring. ‘The economic cost of the UK’s linguistic underperformance – in terms of lost trade and investment – has been estimated at up to £48bn per year, or 3.5% of GDP.’

(The Times, July 2020)

Personal development

There are huge educational, cultural and psychological benefits to learning a language. Modern language skills are priceless in today’s global professional market and we encourage the study of any language at university as a specialised subject and as combined honours with other subjects. Learning a language is an enriching and useful experience for students of any background and ability. Speaking a language, you are better prepared for the international stage.

Future directions

Languages lend themselves to being combined with another subject at university, such as Medicine, Law, Philosophy, Science, History, Engineering, Economics, Business Studies, Music or Journalism. Unemployment figures show that the percentage of MFL graduates without a job is considerably lower than the percentage of graduates with other degrees, an important factor to consider in today’s economic climate.