AS & A2

All students in the twenty-first century should have command of several modern foreign languages as part of their own personal portfolio. Career and leisure opportunities have continued to widen and diversify in Europe for students who have studied a modern language beyond GCSE up to A-Level. In addition to traditional areas such as travel and tourism, the sciences, engineering, law, commerce and business studies now, more than ever, welcome students with linguistic capability and relevant experience. A-levels in languages offer a valuable extra dimension to all students, as well as open up a vast range of possibilities in which one can continue to develop their language skills or use them to support another area of work or study. It is a desirable asset in a number of walks of life and will certainly increase employability, particularly in companies that have international branches, as well as one’s capacity to command a higher salary. A recent survey in the UK indicated that 75% of employers are seeking candidates with language skills in order to strengthen relationships with existing trade partners or establish contacts in new markets.

Furthermore, European universities offer Erasmus/Socrates programs whereby students go on exchange programs in other European universities during the course of their studies. It is obvious that prior knowledge of the language is necessary if students want to spend some time in a country, thus the advantage of learning it at A-Level.
Studying a language beyond GCSE can also be an exciting and rewarding activity for students as they develop their knowledge of other European countries. The course aims at consolidating and extending linguistic skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing) through the study of contemporary materials such as novels, newspapers, magazines, radio and television programs, films, videos and the use of the Internet.
Other interesting aspects of the course are the weekly debates on current affairs and social issues concerning the youth of today, the family in the twenty-first century, education and training, health, religion, crime and punishment, pollution, the third world etc.

SUBJECT TITLE	FRENCH AS – 8FR01 A2 – 9FR01	SPANISH AS – 8SP01 A2 – 9SP01
EXAMINING BOARD	EDEXCEL
AS LEVEL	Unit 1 – Speaking This unit rewards students for their abilities to converse in French/Spanish on a topic area that they have chosen in advance. This unit lasts 8 to 10 minutes and is externally assessed.		30% of AS (15% 0f A L)
	Unit 2 – Listening, Reading & Responding This unit lasts 2 hour 30 minutes and is divided into 3 sections: Section A: Students listen to a range of recordings in French/Spanish and retrieve and convey information given in the recording by responding to a range of questions in French/Spanish. Section B: Students read passages in French/Spanish and respond to a range of questions Section C: Students write 200-220 words in the form of a letter, report or article in French/Spanish.		70% of AS (35% of A L)

A2 LEVEL	Unit 3 - Speaking Students demonstrate their French/Spanish language skills by presenting and taking a clear stance on an issue of their choice. They must defend their views and sustain discussions as the examiner moves away from their chosen issue in the subsequent conversation. This unit lasts 11-13 minutes and is externally assessed.		30% of AS (15% of A L)
	Unit 4– Writing This unit lasts 2 hour 30 minutes and is divided in 3 sections: Section A: This section consists of a short translation from English into French or Spanish accordingly Section B: This section consists of an essay in the French/Spanish language linked to the prescribed general topic area Section C: This is a research-based essay in French (240-270 words) linked to an area of interest to the student that relates to the culture/society of a French/Spanish language country or community		70 % of A2 (35% of A L)