Modern Foreign Languages

What levels are on offer?

Students are able to take a new language (Ab Initio) at Standard Level or can carry on with a language studied at GCSE (Language B) at Higher Level. The languages offered will be French, German, Italian (Ab Initio only) and Spanish. We envisage that most students will pick up a new language at Ab Initio level.

How do I decide which to choose?
  • Ab Initio- this is aimed at students who have not studied that particular language before or who have learnt very little of it. It is suitable for dedicated language learners because the syllabus requires that a lot of material is covered at a very fast pace.
  • Language B - Higher Level- this is aimed at students who intend to study the language at university and possibly use the language in a future career.
What will I need?
  • For Ab Initio no previous knowledge of the language is required. You cannot study a language at Ab Initio if you studied it at GCSE. You will need to be a very dedicated language learner.
  • For Language B Higher Level you are required to have sat higher papers at GCSE in the language you wish to study.
What will I study?

Ab Initio includes:

  • Individual and Society (including Education, Food and drink, Personal relationships)
  • Leisure and Work (including Employment, Holidays and Sport)
  • Urban and Rural Environment (including Weather, Global Issues and Towns and services)

Language B Higher Levels:

  • Communication and Media
  • Global Issues
  • Social Relationships
  • Health
  • Science and Technology
How will I be assessed?

Ab Initio - External Assessment makes up 75% of grade.

This is broken up into 2 exams and a written assignment:

  • Paper 1 - text handling (30%)
  • Paper 2 - written exam (25%)

Written Assignment - 200 - 300 words done in class under teacher supervision. (20%)

Internal Assessment makes up 25% of grade.

Individual oral at end of year 13 (25%)

Language B HL - External Assessment makes up 70% of grade.

This is broken up into 2 exams and a written assignment:

  • Paper 1 - text handling (25%)
  • Paper 2 - written exam (25%)

Written Assignment - 500 - 600 words done in class under teacher supervision. (20%) This will be based upon one of two literary texts studied.

Internal Assessment makes up 25% of grade

Individual oral at end of year 13 (20%)

Interactive oral during year 13 (10%)

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