The Modern Languages Department offers A-Level in the Sixth Form, following on from the Cambridge IGCSE which pupils will have taken at the end of the Fifth (or Fourth) Form. French, German and Spanish use AQA. Russia uses Edexcel. (Please see the separate entry for Mandarin, which is Edexcel A Level). The A-Level course offers traditional academic rigour, certainly, but combined with a deep insight into the fascinating and hugely varied cultures of French-, German-, Russian- and Spanish-speaking countries and a clear emphasis on developing practical linguistic skills to a high standard is an integral part of the course. An A Level course in any of the languages we offer would make an excellent complement, of course, to another language (modern or classical), but also to an English Literature qualification or one in humanity, such as a History or Philosophy, which explores the shared heritage of the European tradition. An A Level in a modern language could also make an impressive contrast to STEM subjects. Pupils continue to work on the four skill areas covered at IGCSE (listening, reading, speaking and writing) but develop these rapidly over the course so that, by the time they leave school, they can understand native speakers confidently in a wide range of situations, both face-to-face and via the media, read a variety of demanding texts from quality newspapers to literary works, converse with ease and spontaneity and write persuasively and incisively in a foreign language. Added to these skills, the increased focus on translation and grammatical understanding develops high-level analytical skills and the requirement to write two literary essays in English brings excellent communication skills. As well as the extensive opportunities for practice in normal lessons, pupils have the chance to develop their speaking skills further in classes with our excellent assistants, as well as on long-established trips abroad. A-level qualifications, of course, make an excellent preparation for further study of languages at university (either those we teach or others less commonly studied at school) but will also provide a suitable basis for the practical use of the foreign language in a professional context in the future. An 8/9 at GCSE is strongly recommended for Sixth Form success
A pupil should have at least a 7/A grade at GCSE to take the subject at A Level, even though in some subject areas, an 8 or 9 at GCSE is a stronger indicator of subsequent success at A-Level.
The AQA A-Level (French, German, Russian, Spanish) comprises three papers, as detailed below. Reading and Listening, Writing (2h30m) - listening comprehension, reading comprehension, translation to and from the foreign language. Writing (2h) - two essays on either a literary work or a film or two literary works. Speaking (21-23 minutes, including 5 minutes of preparation) - discussion of a stimulus card and discussion of an independent research project Topics • Aspects of Francophone, Germanic, and Hispanic society • Artistic culture in the Francophone, Germanic, and Hispanic world • Multiculturalism in the Francophone, Germanic, and Hispanic world • Aspects of political life in the Francophone, Germanic, and Hispanic world The format of the exam and the topics differ only very slightly for Russian.
About School
| Region | London |
| Local Authority | City of London |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender of School | Boys |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Unknown |
| Sixth Form Fee | £22,635 |
| Address | 107 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4V 3AL |
The Modern Languages Department offers A-Level in the Sixth Form, following on from the Cambridge IGCSE which pupils will have taken at the end of the Fifth (or Fourth) Form. French, German and Spanish use AQA. Russia uses Edexcel. (Please see the separate entry for Mandarin, which is Edexcel A Level). The A-Level course offers traditional academic rigour, certainly, but combined with a deep insight into the fascinating and hugely varied cultures of French-, German-, Russian- and Spanish-speaking countries and a clear emphasis on developing practical linguistic skills to a high standard is an integral part of the course. An A Level course in any of the languages we offer would make an excellent complement, of course, to another language (modern or classical), but also to an English Literature qualification or one in humanity, such as a History or Philosophy, which explores the shared heritage of the European tradition. An A Level in a modern language could also make an impressive contrast to STEM subjects. Pupils continue to work on the four skill areas covered at IGCSE (listening, reading, speaking and writing) but develop these rapidly over the course so that, by the time they leave school, they can understand native speakers confidently in a wide range of situations, both face-to-face and via the media, read a variety of demanding texts from quality newspapers to literary works, converse with ease and spontaneity and write persuasively and incisively in a foreign language. Added to these skills, the increased focus on translation and grammatical understanding develops high-level analytical skills and the requirement to write two literary essays in English brings excellent communication skills. As well as the extensive opportunities for practice in normal lessons, pupils have the chance to develop their speaking skills further in classes with our excellent assistants, as well as on long-established trips abroad. A-level qualifications, of course, make an excellent preparation for further study of languages at university (either those we teach or others less commonly studied at school) but will also provide a suitable basis for the practical use of the foreign language in a professional context in the future. An 8/9 at GCSE is strongly recommended for Sixth Form success
A pupil should have at least a 7/A grade at GCSE to take the subject at A Level, even though in some subject areas, an 8 or 9 at GCSE is a stronger indicator of subsequent success at A-Level.
The AQA A-Level (French, German, Russian, Spanish) comprises three papers, as detailed below. Reading and Listening, Writing (2h30m) - listening comprehension, reading comprehension, translation to and from the foreign language. Writing (2h) - two essays on either a literary work or a film or two literary works. Speaking (21-23 minutes, including 5 minutes of preparation) - discussion of a stimulus card and discussion of an independent research project Topics • Aspects of Francophone, Germanic, and Hispanic society • Artistic culture in the Francophone, Germanic, and Hispanic world • Multiculturalism in the Francophone, Germanic, and Hispanic world • Aspects of political life in the Francophone, Germanic, and Hispanic world The format of the exam and the topics differ only very slightly for Russian.
