The Nelson Thomlinson School, Wigton Sixth Form AS/A2 Level French/Spanish The Nelson Thomlinson School, Wigton, Cumbria, CA7 9PX Tel: 016973 42160 Fax: 016973 49160 Email: [email protected] www.nts.cumbria.sch.uk French/Spanish AS/A2 Level Exam Board - AQA Course Outline The course can be tailored to suit your own interests, and you will gain a high level of competence in speaking, listening, reading and writing in the foreign language that will be a lasting benefit throughout your life. The A level course is divided into AS and A2 Unit 1 tests the skills of reading, listening and writing and comprises 70% of the AS. Unit 2 is a speaking test and accounts for the remaining 30%. The same pattern is repeated at A2. AS topics      Media Popular Culture Fashion Healthy Living/Lifestyle Family/Relationships A2 topics     Environment Multicultural Society Contemporary Social Issues An additional Cultural Topic The cultural topic allows for a very personal study of an aspect of French culture that links to your own interests, and can be:    A study of a target language speaking region A period of 20th century history The work of an author, dramatist, poet, artist, musician or painter from a period 20th century history Learning a foreign language.. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Is considered a high tariff A-level by top universities Helps you to communicate effectively when abroad Helps you understand grammar and linguistic structure Helps you with your literacy work Involves learning about people in other countries and their culture Develops your skills in listening to and communication with others Increases your chances of finding a good job. That’s official! Helps you learn other foreign languages Helps you make friends/contacts abroad Potential opportunities at the end of the course These are numerous and varied and could include:        Translator/Interpreter In-demand Primary/Secondary Teacher International Business/Law Working abroad eg. Military Travel & Tourism UK business with customers from other countries International media Did you know …? 57% of science, manufacturing and engineering firms use foreign languages on a regular basis 47% of companies have lost business because of language barriers. Could you be their star employee? At least a grade B in French or Spanish GCSE is required. Introduction to Latin The department is also offering a beginners’ course in Latin, as an extra-curricular ‘club’ possibly aiming towards a qualification at the end of Year 13. This course would be suitable for students with a good grade at GCSE French or Spanish and would be particularly useful for those studying a modern language, English, History or Medicine at A level. Those who like thinking mathematically are also likely to enjoy this study. During the first year of the course, you will become familiar with the basic vocabulary and grammar of Latin and learn a little about Roman culture. In the second year, you will be working with some authentic Roman texts in preparation for a qualification.