A level Languages

Why study a language at A level? We live in a multilingual, global society A level in a language will foster a range of transferable skills such as: communication critical thinking research skills creativity

Why study a language at A level? Make your CV stand out and increase your job opportunities

Why study a language at A level? Languages are a skill useful in a wide variety of professions Business and commerce Foreign affairs and international relations Advertising Airline services Medicine Education Hotel management Law and communications Import/export specialists Editing and publishing Subtitles and Voice-Overs

Why study a language at A level? Exciting and more relevant topics and areas Political and artistic culture Social issues

Why study a language at A level? No more course work. You will sit your exams at the end of year 13: One Writing exam. One Speaking exam. One paper combining: Listening, Reading and Writing.

Why study a language at A level? It is a facilitating subject: The Russell Group, which represents 24 leading UK universities, defines MFL as one of their facilitating subjects University of Birmingham University of Bristol University of Cambridge Cardiff University Durham University University of Edinburgh University of Exeter University of Glasgow Imperial College London King's College London University of Leeds University of Liverpool London School of Economics & Political Science University of Manchester Newcastle University University of Nottingham University of Oxford Queen Mary, University of London Queen's University Belfast University of Sheffield University of Southampton University College London University of Warwick University of York David Hotchkiss, one of our students, received two unconditional offers for a joint degree in International Business and French. He got an A at A level and he chose to go to Aston University to complete his degree.

What skills will I develop? Increase your Word Power: Express your ideas and opinions clearly and precisely with help from… Gain confidence: Give speeches and presentations Debate DVDs music lyrics poetry Improve your memory skills magazines videos

Why study a language at A level? Not everybody speaks English

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmOTpIVxji8

A-Levels to Adulthood My experiences learning languages Add photos

Introduction Studied A-Level languages at Windsor Boys’ School Taught Geography by Ms Sandell and Mr Bainbridge Languages at University Graduated in 2012 Intro on who I am and why I’m here Looking to become MFL teacher

Introduction 2008 2016 A-Level University & The Year Abroad Graduation & The Job Search Being a real adult ! Impact of learning languages during each time period Define key points on what I will discuss throughout each What were my experiences? Was studying languages useful?

A-Level Applying for Uni Studied French, Geography, English Lit. Wasn’t that keen on French but knew it would be helpful in future My French class: 7 students AS, 5 students A2 A-Levels are not easy! Huge jump from GCSE to A-Level Applying for Uni Wanted to choose something different and stand out. No idea what to do – spoke with form tutor for advice French & Chinese Why French? – Relay using bullet #2 Learning languages becoming more and more rare. Especially amongst males. Fewer males studying languages than females

A-Level – Summary Languages complemented other subjects Helped me use my brain more effectively Gave me a useful skill Made me think more broadly Huge improvement with self confidence

Uni & The Year Abroad French & Chinese (and Scouse) at Liverpool John Moores University Extra modules and classes: International Business, History, Government & Politics, Law…. 4 year course – 3rd year abroad Split between Lyon & Beijing Single language courses = full year in 1 country Study, work or both Studies in Europe fully funded by ERASMUS scheme – you get paid to study in Europe. This is when you become fluent Final year – back to Liverpool. No dissertation! Now time to think about life after uni

Uni & Year Abroad – Summary Social skills Friends for life Travel New perspective on world Confidence Skills Debt – make sure it was worth it!

End of Uni & the Job Search No idea what to do next. Challenging period of time. What job can you go into with languages? Did Uni give me the skills I needed? Found a job quickly. US company expanding into Europe – needed a French speaker

End of Uni & Job Search – Summary Stronger employability due to languages. May have struggled if I hadn’t chosen languages– languages and travel prepared me for changes Decent starting salary due to in-demand skill. Didn’t have to move back in with my parents.

The Working World & Being a Real Adult Same job ~ 4 Years Using both French & Chinese Higher salary than colleagues who don’t speak a second language Recent promotion due to French Languages helping me every day

Summary Wouldn’t change a thing. Still using languages every single day. Enabled me to travel and experience the world. As well as make lots of new friends. Richer life & cultural experiences as well as confidence. Enabled me to embrace change. Found languages to be a valuable skill that helps me in my personal and work lives.