Modern Languages Department
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A Level >
The Modern Languages Department is a large and thriving Department at Stowe which believes that in our increasingly international society, knowledge of a foreign language is a vital and valuable skill both in life and in business. We aim to make pupils proficient in the use of at least one language and aim not only at linguistic competence but also endeavour to promote understanding and appreciation of the target culture. The Modern Languages Department is committed to fostering enjoyment of languages and language learning, to encouraging good communication skills and to ensuring that each pupil achieves their full potential.
In the Lower School all Stoics currently study French and half the year has the opportunity to study a second language, either Spanish or German. All Stoics are expected to continue at least one language to GCSE. We have a good and increasing number of Upper School linguists taking a language at A-Level and a considerable percentage of these pupils continue the language learning at University.
Head of Department, Miss T L Hooker



GCSE
All Stoics must study one language at GCSE: French, Spanish or German. Those keen and able to study two languages may continue their French along with either Spanish or German, provided that they have already studied their second language for at least one year.

Content
In the present GCSE structure the emphasis is on communication. It is no longer just a written language, but instead it is sub-divided into four main categories; each category carrying an equal weighting of 25%.

Assessment
The OCR GCSE tests the four skills of Reading, Speaking, Listening and Writing equally in four separate examinations. The GCSE exams are examined at either Foundation or Higher level. Stoics are expected to enter for Higher Level in all papers in order to provide the maximum opportunity to achieve a top grade. There may be occasions when it is deemed in the candidate's best interest to enter for Foundation Level in one or more of the skills, and individual cases are discussed with the Stoic, teacher and Head of Department after Trial Examinations in January. The same is true for any second language that may be chosen to study.
All Stoics should be able to understand the spoken and written foreign language, and should be able to communicate in the spoken and written form. Since much of the work is based on 'authentic' situations, there is a requirement to understand the speech of native speakers, to be able to engage in everyday activities when abroad, and to be able to read and write letters, notes and postcards. Since communication and authenticity are such a major part of the course, it is expected that all Stoics try to be involved in an exchange or a study trip to the appropriate country at some time during their course. This is essential for any Stoic considering taking the language beyond GCSE.
With the multitude of possibilities now available through the Single European Market, career opportunities for those with good linguistic ability are rapidly expanding, whatever the profession they may ultimately choose to follow.

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A Level
GCSE lays great stress on communication in its many forms, whether it be speaking or listening to the language, or reading or writing it. This emphasis is continued through to A-Level with the course the School is following, and obviously its aims are to broaden not only the linguistic ability but also the communication skills of each student.


The AS Course in French, German and Spanish
An AS in a modern foreign language offers a much greater depth and sophistication to communication, understanding and knowledge of the target language. As at GCSE the four skills (listening, reading, speaking and writing) are assesed.
Language work will cover a wide range of topics which we hope will not only interest you but also inspire you to discussion in your chosen language. One of the most important aspects of this course is the opportunity to develop your own opinions and for you to be able to express them clearly and stylishly in both written and oral work. This means that you should be ready to make an effort to speak the language as often as possible, and to this end nearly all of the teaching will be carried out in the target language. There are four main topics for language study - Media, Healthy Living, Family and Relationships and Popular Culture.  All AS students will have a weekly one-to-one conversation lesson with the Foreign Language Assistant in addition to their group lessons.
At the end of the AS course you will sit the following two modules:

The A2 Course in French, German and Spanish
The major differences between AS and full A2 in purely course terms are the literature and culture section in Unit 3 and the higher standard of competence required by the listening, reading and speaking modules. There is also a significant number of marks awarded for translation and prose with grammatical accuracy playing an essential role. In the literature and culture section you will cover two cultural, historical or literary topics (e.g. A region or a novelist) and will be required to write an essay of at least 250 words in the examination.
A2 will be assessed over the following two modules:

In order to qualify for a full A-Level, candidates must sit all four AS and A2 modules.
A-Level demands a high degree of motivation; you must make an effort to study on your own, must want to find out about a subject and experience the language first hand as much as possible. We recommend, therefore, that during the A-Level course, you spend a minimum of a week in your chosen country immersed in the language and preferably with a host family. It is only by this first-hand experience that your linguistic skills can be truly practised and improved. This recommendation becomes a course requirement at A2.
What are the entry requirements for an A-Level? To feel confident and cope with a modern foreign language at A-Level, you must get a B grade or ideally higher at GCSE.

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