The AQA MFL course allows students to build on the core skills, vocabulary and grammar which they developed during their GCSE studies so that they can become fluent speakers with a keen understanding of the geography, history, literature and film of their linguistic area of study. The focus on technically advanced translation also ensures that our students will be able to pursue university courses in MFL and find employment using these skills at any point in their adult lives. The course is designed to develop our students’ interest in the French or Spanish speaking world so that they can comment on themes ranging from Latin American Dictatorship to New Wave French Cinema. Students will study two broad themes, irrespective of the language they choose. They are: social and political trends and political and artistic culture. Students will also study a film in the target language which they will analyse in detail. Underpinning each of these topic areas is a robust grammar course which students will complete in September. The material which we study will include complex factual and abstract content and a variety of resources drawn from authentic target language sources. There is an emphasis on developing practical skills such as translation to and from Spanish or French; listening and reading for ‘gist’ and detail; and essay writing. The A-level examinations consist of a written paper, a listening/reading/writing paper and a recorded oral examination. In the second year of the course our students study a piece of French or Spanish literature and continue to study a range of political and artistic topics relevant to the countries where the language is spoken. The students will also complete an individual research project into an element of Hispanic or Gallic culture which interests them. This will form the basis for their speaking examination at the end of the year. Core Content Spanish Modern values and trends Cyberspace Equal rights Spanish Cinema: Volver (Almodovar) Modern day idols Spanish regional heritage Cultural heritage Immigration Integration Racism Spanish Literature: Como Agua Para Chocolate Today’s youth, tomorrow’s citizens Monarchies & dictatorships Popular movements Independent Research Project Students of French or Spanish have specialist teachers who will deal with different skill areas i.e. listening, reading, comprehension, grammar, essay writing, literature and oral work. In addition, each student is allocated regular speaking support sessions. The Languages Department makes full use of video and audio materials in Sixth Form courses. There are opportunities for Work Experience abroad which students are strongly advised to consider during their course. The Russell Group of Universities recommend Languages as a facilitating subject. Students are advised to make regular use of Internet and IT facilities linked to their language study. A-level linguists are a rare and highly prized commodity in Britain. The study of a foreign language is not only an extremely valuable learning process, but also gives students a head start and career advantages in the new European work place. The following list indicates just a few of the opportunities open to competent linguists: International Business Travel & Tourism Commerce & Finance Retail Education Engineering Civil Service ICT Translation Journalism Law With most degree and Higher Education courses nowadays it is possible to include a language module, with the opportunity of spending a period of time abroad. Students are thus enabled to compete on an equal footing with their European counterparts. https://www.ashmoleacademy.org/_site/data/files/post16/1665D110BFBC2774CA4DFED150071DED.pdf#page=32