Modern Languages

Please refer to individual subject pages for French, German, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese.

The study of one or more foreign languages has obvious practical benefits for communication with foreign-language speakers in the world of work as well as for leisure and travel. The satisfaction and pleasure derived from being able to speak and understand foreign languages proficiently are considerable, and certainly worth the effort.

In the world of work there is firm evidence that people with language skills have a distinct advantage: they have the edge at interviews, they communicate better, and they earn more.

Languages are also rewarding to learn for their own sake because they open pupils’ minds to other cultures and encourage them to think more deeply about the different ways in which human beings communicate with each other. Language qualifications are well regarded by universities and highly valued by employers.

Communication in a variety of forms – speaking, texting, blogging, tweeting – is central to all our lives today. In the world of education and work, many people also spend a great deal of time presenting, debating and undertaking extended writing of different kinds. These ‘higher’ skills are developed on an A Level foreign language course. They are skills that require hard work, but the rewards are great. The ability to understand and communicate effectively in a foreign language brings a great sense of empowerment as a global citizen. They are skills that enrich life at the same time as being great fun.

Learning about the different cultures around the world (which is an important part of any language course) increases pupils’ enjoyment of travel in foreign countries and helps them to think more critically about their own culture. We encourage engagement with foreign language websites, YouTube videos, radio and TV to achieve foreign language immersion and add an extra dimension to pupils’ learning.

All foreign language courses have as their main aim the use of the language. Pupils will enjoy participating in class and be committed to language-learning strategies such as learning vocabulary and frequent independent listening and learning. They should also be keen to talk as often as possible with native speakers, especially our foreign language assistants, with whom they have an additional timetabled lesson. The most successful pupils have an analytical approach to language study: they should be interested in studying how language works and in comparing similarities and differences between languages. Successful pupils also tend to be those who read newspapers, magazines and books independently in the foreign language and use all the means available to them – for example apps and songs – to make the foreign language an integral part of daily life.

All of our Sixth Form language courses can lead to a variety of university courses in which one or more languages are either the main subject of study or available in combination with a variety of other disciplines.

Traditional language degree courses – especially those at Oxford and Cambridge – place more emphasis on literature. Linguists also do well in subjects such as History of Art, Politics, History, Economics, Law, Philosophy and Theology.

s.blewitt@sherborne.com

Please note that we are able to offer either A Level Mandarin or the HSK course, but not both, depending on demand.