The studying of a modern foreign language at A Level combines an in-depth study of the language (including vocabulary, grammar, syntax and etymology), cultures of the people who speak the language and the places where the language is spoken. An A Level in a modern language thus enables pupils to raise their gaze from their immediate environment to explore new horizons.
MFL AT WARWICK
Pupils will significantly expand their vocabulary in the target language, whilst developing confidence with a range of more complex, native-speaker style structures and idiom to access, talk and write in response to authentic materials on a range of cultural and socio-political topics. The A Level course enables pupils to reach substantial levels of oral and written fluency in the target language, as well as refining the skills to process information at speed.
Pupils have the opportunity to carry out extensive research into the target language culture, culminating in an Individual Research Project, which forms part of the speaking examination at the end of the course. Additionally, pupils explore the history, society, and politics of the target language cultures through the study of literature and film, which also allows pupils to further their evaluative and analytical skills in spoken and written form.
“Maintaining foreign language skills is vital to keeping the UK globally connected, supporting trade, research collaboration, soft power and cultural exchange. Language learning fosters mutual understanding across borders and strengthens the UK’s ability to engage with the world at a time of global uncertainty.”
—
Joanna Burton, Head of Policy (Higher Education) at the Russell Group
Course content
Year 1
Aspects of target language-speaking society: current trends
Artistic culture in the target language-speaking world
Year 2
Aspects of target language-speaking society: current issues
Aspects of political life in the target language-speaking world
Pupils will also study film and literature as part of the A-level course. Films and texts are chosen from the AQA list of set films and texts.
How is the A Level examined?
Paper 1: Listening, reading, translation – 2.5 hours (50% of A Level grade)
Paper 2: Writing – two essays on film and/or literature studied (20% of A Level grade)
Paper 3: Speaking – oral discussion of a stimulus card linked to one of the themes studied (part 1) and a presentation and follow-up discussion of their individual research project relating to the target language world (part 2) (30% of A Level grade)
TRIPS & CO-CURRICULAR
In the last few years, the modern foreign languages department has provided Sixth Form pupils with the opportunity to put their language skills into action with trips to Paris, Barcelona, and Madrid. In addition, we offer a wide range of co-curricular activities to support our pupils’ development:
- Debate clubs
Assessment and interview pathway routes for Oxbridge applications
Literary translation seminars
National translation competitions
Film study days at the British Film Institute
Peer mentoring of younger pupils
Judging of enrichment activities for younger pupils
