Course information
Russian
Highgate School - Haringey
02083401524
North Road, Highgate, N6 4AY
Course summary

This A-level course has been developed to inspire all pupils to have an appreciation of the language, literature, film and culture of the Russian-speaking world. Pupils will develop advanced level knowledge and understanding of the Russian language, the culture of Russia and other Russian-speaking countries, and communities, as well as practical and valuable language and transferable study skills. Topic 1: Development of Russian society Theme 1 is set in the context of Russia only. • Young people in Russia: health; leisure; new technologies. • Education: the education system; student life. • World of work: trends and attitude towards work; opportunities for young Russians; equality and equal opportunities. Topic 2: Political and artistic cultures in the Russian-speaking world Theme 2 is set in the context of the Russian-speaking world. • Media: freedom of expression; print and online press; media influence on society and politics. • Popular culture: music; circus; dance. • Holidays, festivals, and traditions. Topic 3: Moscow and St. Petersburg – urban life Theme 3 is set in the context of Russia only. • Population change: life in the city; life in the suburbs. • Social issues: homelessness; crime; insecurity. • Environment: urban development; pollution and the city environment. Topic 4: The final years of the USSR - M.S. Gorbachev (1985-1991) Theme 4 is set in the context of Russia only. • Perestroika: restructuring; economic change; legacy. • Glasnost: social change; legacy. • 1991: problems facing the USSR by 1991; August putsch; the collapse of the Soviet Union. Literature: The Queen of Spades, Alexander Pushkin, 1834 The Government Inspector, Nikolai Gogol, 1836

Entry requirements

Grade 8 in GCSE Russian is required.

How you'll be assessed

Listening, reading and translation. Written response to works (literature) and translation. Speaking (internally assessed and externally marked). Our syllabus aims to enable you to develop the language skills needed for effective, sophisticated communication in Russian, and to provide you with an insight into Russian societies around the world (from the Russian Federation, in all its cultural and linguistic diversity, to former Soviet Republics, Israel and any other areas with a distinct historical presence of Russian). Your fluency will develop quickly due to your lessons conducted in the target language, your speaking lessons with our Russian assistant, and your exposure to authentic resources. Independent listening and reading are strongly encouraged. Alongside language work, you will learn much about the culture of modern-day Russia through the topics studied. You will be expected to research an aspect of Russian culture which particularly interests you at the end of Year 12 in preparation for the speaking exam in Year 13. You are encouraged to engage personally in your learning and build up a portfolio of authentic articles, which can be obtained from a variety of free online sources. In this context, the Rambler website (www.rambler.ru, www.aif.ru, www.bbc.com/russian) offers links to several Russian-language newspapers, journals, radio and television stations throughout the world.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionLondon
Local AuthorityHaringey
Ofsted Rating
Gender TypeCo-Educational
ISI ReportView Report
Boarding FeeUnknown
Sixth Form Fee£25,515
AddressNorth Road, Highgate, N6 4AY