1. A level Languages

2. 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

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

4. 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

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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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

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

11. A-Levels to Adulthood
My experiences learning languages
Add photos

12. 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

13. 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?

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

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

18. 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

19. 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.

20. 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

21. 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.