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Accreditation in Languages for Business
The MFL Department is really excited about the introduction of this new course from September 2022 open to both Year 12 and 13 pupils.
The course can be taken in French, German or Spanish and is run over one academic year. The ALB course is a professional accreditation at intermediate level which focuses on learning the language to use in business scenarios and developing business language skills. Students will attend 1-2 lessons per week and will learn to use their chosen language in a variety of scenarios such as:
• Making customer calls • Attending conferences and exhibitions • Sales presentations • Writing a job application • Interview practice • Getting a summer job abroad WHO IS THE COURSE SUITABLE FOR?
At a time when the country needs more linguists than ever this course is suitable for any pupils who are keen to continue a language further but for whom A Level does necessarily suit. Equally there may be pupils that wish to take the course in addition to doing an A Level language. As a minimum a pupil should, however, gain a grade 5 at GCSE.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
The focus is very much on practical language that can be used in a business related context. Some of the modules studied include:
• Writing a job application
• Reading and writing an email response regarding commencement of a job
• Understanding written rules, regulations and instructions
• Understanding travel related announcements and directions
• Delivering a product or service presentation • Taking part in customer focused dialogues
There is a very flexible pathway in terms of how the course is assessed.
The Level 2 Accreditation consists of an end of module course certificate graded at pass, merit or distinction. Pupils can then choose to continue with The Level 3 certificate which involves the addition of a project which pupils do in the summer term and includes the benefit of 16 UCAS points.
Both Level 2 and 3 comprise 40% from 6 end of module assessments and 60% from unseen final assessments which are practical in nature (see table below for more details).
Examples of the Level 3 Certificate assessment are: a presentation, discussion, summary, translation, a report, a dictation or responses to written/audio materials. Further below there is an example of the kind of task a pupil might have should they take the Level 3 option.
Programme size: GLH (Guided learning hours): 120 Total Qualification time (inc. GLH): 220 minimum
No. components: 6
Assessed skills: Speaking, Listening, Reading, Writing
Assessment methods: 6 end of component assessments (seen). Two end of programme assessments (unseen).
Component /assessment (seen) 40%: COMPONENT FOCUS ASSESSMENT TASK
1. Companies and organisations Write a job application letter for work experience based on a brief
2. Correspondence and communications Read and write an email response regarding commencement of a job
3. Rules and regulations Understand written rules, regulations and instructions
Assessments (unseen): 60%
4. Travel and announcements
5. Sales and marketing
6. Customer service
Speaking and listening 30%
Understand travel related announcements and directions
Deliver a product or service presentation
Take part in customer focused dialogues
Reading and writing 30%
LEVEL 3 PROJECT MISSION EXAMPLE
You have been asked by your manager to set up a visit to a factory in Lyon for a group for your design team.
• Your visit will last 5 days • You need to find a suitable accommodation • Work out the best way to travel • Book a suitable hotel for hosting a conference • You need to build in cultural visits • You need to book a restaurant
FURTHER INFORMATION