Modern Languages
Whether you are learning French or Spanish the Sir John Deane’s Modern Languages Department is a great place to study.
As a modern languages student you’ll have the very best facilities at your fingertips including interactive language software, a language laboratory, a private study area with PCs and a fantastic virtual learning environment (VLE).
French and Spanish languages offer a variety of topics including family, modern technology, regional culture and heritage, cinema, music and literature.
Throughout your chosen course you will get the chance to improve your reading, writing, translating and listening skills and will use the digital language laboratory, as well as take part in conversation classes. Assessment is through written examination as well as oral tests.
On Wednesdays, you will be given the opportunity to join an enrichment course in Italian or Chinese.
Students also have the opportunity to take part in work experience schemes in France and Spain where they can improve their linguistic skills and sample the food and general culture first hand.
You may have the chance to take part in a conference at a local university or visit Manchester for foreign language taster sessions in film and culture.
Language graduates are the third most employable after doctors and lawyers. It goes without saying that you will be able to work in a multinational company or even abroad with your language skills. A large number of universities encourage students to continue their language studies alongside their main discipline. You will be in a stronger position to get a job in companies with international links and also find it easier to learn other languages later in life.
Listening, reading & writing – Exam Paper – 50% of marks
Writing – Exam Paper – 20% of marks
Speaking – Exam – 30% of marks
Summary
Social issues & trends
The changing nature of family; The ‘cyber-society’; the place of voluntary work,
Artistic culture
A culture proud of its heritage; Contemporary francophone music, Cinema: the 7th art form
Aspects of French-speaking society: current issues
Positive features of a diverse society; Life for the marginalised; How criminals are treated
Aspects of political life in the French-speaking world
Teenagers, the right to vote and political commitment; Demonstrations and strikes; Politics and immigration
Students must also study one film “La Haine” by M Kassovitz and one book “l’Etranger” by A Camus.
Opportunities in the subject
The department regularly visits Manchester Metropolitan University to attend workshops and study days designed specifically for Year 12 and Year 13 language students.
Students also have the opportunity to take part in work experience schemes with the organization “Halisbury” in France where they can improve their linguistic skills and sample the food and general culture first hand.
Listening, reading & writing – Exam Paper – 50% of marks
Writing – Exam Paper – 20% of marks
Speaking – Exam – 30% of marks
Summary
Cyberspace; Modern and traditional values; Idols; Regional Identity; Cultural Heritage; Gender Equality
Cultural topic: El laberinto del fauno
Immigration; Integration; Racism; Young people; Monarchies, dictatorships and republics; Protests Cultural topic: La casa de Bernarda Alba
Opportunities in the Subject
Students will get the opportunity to spend some time
in Spain doing work experience abroad through a well
reputed organisation called “Halsbury”.
We also regularly visit Manchester Metropolitan
University to attend workshops and study days designed
specifically for AS and A2 language students.
The best preparation for any Modern Languages student is to revise vocabulary and grammar topics you have learned at GCSE level.
Students are encouraged to revise tenses using the website: www.languagesonline.org.uk
Students can also create a Memrise account and find our A Level Connectives and Phrases vocab course, which provides the type of connectives that we use to prepare the writing and speaking examinations and they will definitely help you to prepare for your studies. To sign up, visit: www.memrise.com/join
To access our French vocab course, visit : www.memrise.com/course/790349/les-connecteurs-7
To access our Spanish vocab course: www.memrise.com/course/459059/essay-phrases-alevel
Study Level
A Level
Exam Board
AQA (French & Spanish)
Contact Details
Mr T England
Head of Department
england_t@sjd.ac.uk
