The A level specifications build on the knowledge, understanding and skills gained at GCSE and have a strong focus on language, culture and society. They foster a range of transferable skills including communication, critical thinking, research skills and creativity. The content is suitable for pupils who wish to progress to further study, including a modern languages degree, be it as a stand-alone subject or, increasingly, in combination with another subject. The approach is a focus on how a target language society has been shaped, socially and culturally, and how it continues to change. In the first year, aspects of the social context are studied, together with aspects of the artistic and cultural life of the relevant country or countries. In the second year, further aspects of the social background are covered, this time focusing on issues, such as, in French, life for those on the margins of French-speaking society as well as looking at the positive influences that diversity brings. Depending on the language studied, pupils also study aspects of the political landscape in a target language country; for example, in French, this covers contemporary music, immigration from the political perspective and at the way in which political power is expressed through action such as strikes and demonstrations. In German this includes cultural life in Berlin and German re-unification and its consequences. In Spanish, regional identity and the conflict for Catalonian independence are covered, as well as the dictatorships in 20th-century Latin America. In this way pupils will develop their knowledge and understanding of themes relating to the culture and society of countries where the language is spoken as well as their language skills by engaging with authentic spoken and written sources. The Writing Paper involves a critical appreciation of the concepts and issues covered in the works studied (one literary work and one film) and a critical and analytical response to features such as the form and the technique of presentation, as appropriate to the work studied. Knowledge of the grammar and structures specified for GCSE is assumed, although these are revised thoroughly during these courses. In the exam pupils will be required to accurately use grammar and structures appropriate to the tasks set. Paper 1 involves translation in which most of the key vocabulary is supplied via a supporting text and the main skills tested are language manipulation and the application of grammar. A modern language is often combined with Arts subjects such as with English and History but also with many other subjects as it can offer a useful extra dimension to an academic profile.
Candidates sit GL Assessments CAT4. In addition, pupils are expected to achieve 40 or more GCSE points. International pupils should have IELTS at 6.0 or equivalent. Most heads of department recommend at least a grade 7 at GCSE for subjects relevant to sixth form study.
About Education Provider
| Region | South West |
| Local Authority | Dorset |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Day £38,214; Boarding £46,602 |
| Sixth Form Fee | Unknown |
| Address | Bryanston, Blandford Forum, DT11 0PX |
The A level specifications build on the knowledge, understanding and skills gained at GCSE and have a strong focus on language, culture and society. They foster a range of transferable skills including communication, critical thinking, research skills and creativity. The content is suitable for pupils who wish to progress to further study, including a modern languages degree, be it as a stand-alone subject or, increasingly, in combination with another subject. The approach is a focus on how a target language society has been shaped, socially and culturally, and how it continues to change. In the first year, aspects of the social context are studied, together with aspects of the artistic and cultural life of the relevant country or countries. In the second year, further aspects of the social background are covered, this time focusing on issues, such as, in French, life for those on the margins of French-speaking society as well as looking at the positive influences that diversity brings. Depending on the language studied, pupils also study aspects of the political landscape in a target language country; for example, in French, this covers contemporary music, immigration from the political perspective and at the way in which political power is expressed through action such as strikes and demonstrations. In German this includes cultural life in Berlin and German re-unification and its consequences. In Spanish, regional identity and the conflict for Catalonian independence are covered, as well as the dictatorships in 20th-century Latin America. In this way pupils will develop their knowledge and understanding of themes relating to the culture and society of countries where the language is spoken as well as their language skills by engaging with authentic spoken and written sources. The Writing Paper involves a critical appreciation of the concepts and issues covered in the works studied (one literary work and one film) and a critical and analytical response to features such as the form and the technique of presentation, as appropriate to the work studied. Knowledge of the grammar and structures specified for GCSE is assumed, although these are revised thoroughly during these courses. In the exam pupils will be required to accurately use grammar and structures appropriate to the tasks set. Paper 1 involves translation in which most of the key vocabulary is supplied via a supporting text and the main skills tested are language manipulation and the application of grammar. A modern language is often combined with Arts subjects such as with English and History but also with many other subjects as it can offer a useful extra dimension to an academic profile.
Candidates sit GL Assessments CAT4. In addition, pupils are expected to achieve 40 or more GCSE points. International pupils should have IELTS at 6.0 or equivalent. Most heads of department recommend at least a grade 7 at GCSE for subjects relevant to sixth form study.