The Advanced Level courses in French, German and Spanish are all based on the same principles and are similar in content. The emphasis is on comprehension and communication, with the study of formal grammar used as a means of improving the student's fluency and ability to communicate using increasingly accurate, complex and varied language. We aim to develop the student's range of expression, from use of the language in everyday situations, to expressing more complex ideas in writing and speech. Students are encouraged to read a range of texts and extensive use is made of authentic material drawn from newspapers, magazines, films, radio and television broadcasts and websites. Students in the Sixth Form have the opportunity to access a range of reference material in the library, on computers, iPads or from the library selection of foreign language books and films. Lessons are in small groups and are conducted primarily in the language being studied. A strong emphasis is placed on oral competence. Students allot one lesson each week of their non-contact time to a conversation class. This is taken by a native speaker and is devoted to improving the spoken language.  We study topics of social, cultural and literary interest related to the country involved, in the foreign language and using authentic contemporary material. Pupils will also study two cultural topics from a selection of novels and films. Our aim is to develop critical insights into, and contact with, the contemporary society, cultural background and heritage of countries or communities where the foreign language is spoken.