The core content of the course consists of three areas: Social issues and trends, Political and artistic culture and Grammar. In addition, pupils study a combination of cultural topics from the prescribed list of literary texts and films. Pupils wishing to sit an A level in their first language (e.g. French, German or Spanish), or bilingual pupils, will not attend lessons in their first language, as the lessons and examination courses are aimed at pupils learning the language as a foreign language. However, pupils will be permitted to take an A level in a language in which they are already fluent. This will involve a programme of independent study, supported by regular meetings with a member of the Modern Foreign Languages Department, principally to prepare for Papers 2 and 3. Pupils will be expected to familiarize themselves with the range of topics taught for Paper 1 using the online resources that accompany the A level course. Entry for the A level examinations will be conditional upon completion of work set; pupils will also be expected to sit the relevant internal examinations, including the mock A level.
Pupils are expected to have achieved at least the equivalent of a GCSE grade 7 in the language concerned before embarking upon this course. They should have an interest in developing their knowledge and understanding of the culture and way of life of the target-language country.
Candidates are assessed on three units. All examinations are sat at the end of the two-year course. Paper 1: Listening, reading and writing 2 hours 30 minutes (50%) This paper assesses aspects of the target-language society, including current trends and issues, the artistic culture of the target-language society, aspects of the political life of the target language society and grammar. The examination includes listening and reading comprehension exercises and translations to and from English. No dictionaries are permitted in the examination. Paper 2: Writing 2 hours (20%) For this paper, candidates must study either two literary texts or one literary text and one film from the prescribed list. Candidates must write one essay in the target language on each of the works studied. Candidates are expected to demonstrate a critical appreciation of the concepts and issues covered in the work, as well as a critical and analytical response to features such as form and technique of presentation. Candidates are expected to write approximately 300 words in each of the two essays. No dictionaries are permitted in the examination and pupils will not have access to the text or film during the assessment. Paper 3: Speaking 21-23 minutes (30%) Candidates are assessed on an individual research project and on one of the four sub-themes of the main content themes. The examination will be conducted by one of the Downside teachers. Pupils will also need a full-size dictionary. The department recommends the Collins suite of dictionaries.
About Education Provider
| Region | South West |
| Local Authority | Somerset |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | £30,300 - £40,650 |
| Sixth Form Fee | Day £20,550 - £24,390 |
| Address | Radstock, BA3 4RJ |
The core content of the course consists of three areas: Social issues and trends, Political and artistic culture and Grammar. In addition, pupils study a combination of cultural topics from the prescribed list of literary texts and films. Pupils wishing to sit an A level in their first language (e.g. French, German or Spanish), or bilingual pupils, will not attend lessons in their first language, as the lessons and examination courses are aimed at pupils learning the language as a foreign language. However, pupils will be permitted to take an A level in a language in which they are already fluent. This will involve a programme of independent study, supported by regular meetings with a member of the Modern Foreign Languages Department, principally to prepare for Papers 2 and 3. Pupils will be expected to familiarize themselves with the range of topics taught for Paper 1 using the online resources that accompany the A level course. Entry for the A level examinations will be conditional upon completion of work set; pupils will also be expected to sit the relevant internal examinations, including the mock A level.
Pupils are expected to have achieved at least the equivalent of a GCSE grade 7 in the language concerned before embarking upon this course. They should have an interest in developing their knowledge and understanding of the culture and way of life of the target-language country.
Candidates are assessed on three units. All examinations are sat at the end of the two-year course. Paper 1: Listening, reading and writing 2 hours 30 minutes (50%) This paper assesses aspects of the target-language society, including current trends and issues, the artistic culture of the target-language society, aspects of the political life of the target language society and grammar. The examination includes listening and reading comprehension exercises and translations to and from English. No dictionaries are permitted in the examination. Paper 2: Writing 2 hours (20%) For this paper, candidates must study either two literary texts or one literary text and one film from the prescribed list. Candidates must write one essay in the target language on each of the works studied. Candidates are expected to demonstrate a critical appreciation of the concepts and issues covered in the work, as well as a critical and analytical response to features such as form and technique of presentation. Candidates are expected to write approximately 300 words in each of the two essays. No dictionaries are permitted in the examination and pupils will not have access to the text or film during the assessment. Paper 3: Speaking 21-23 minutes (30%) Candidates are assessed on an individual research project and on one of the four sub-themes of the main content themes. The examination will be conducted by one of the Downside teachers. Pupils will also need a full-size dictionary. The department recommends the Collins suite of dictionaries.