In the De Aston Languages department we work hard to ensure our students achieve the standard required at GCSE level to take their language learning further because as linguists ourselves, we know better than anyone how exciting and valuable having language skills can be!
We ask that students wishing to continue with their language studies achieve at least a grade 5 at GCSE level. Why not have a look at just a few of our former students?
If you enjoy learning other languages and have a curiosity about different cultures, we would recommend studying a language at A level! Speaking another language to A level can open so many doors for study, work and travel opportunities and is seen be a highly valuable asset to many companies, not least of all for communication skills in a globalised world, but because companies value the vast range of transferable skills that A level language students acquire.
If you have a desire to work abroad, or in a multinational company, language skills will be highly prized. In addition, with many UK companies wishing to maintain strong European relationships post-Brexit, languages will only continue to grow in importance. Click here to see just some career opportunities open to you if you study a language at A level.
Before the professional opportunities arrive, there are many academic benefits of learning a language at A-Level. Not only do languages enrich your global cultural knowledge, but they can also improve your comprehension and critical thinking skills – both of which are useful for many university courses. Don’t forget that languages can be studied at university alongside lots of other subjects!
Learning any language at A-Level will help you gain competency in these four main areas:
Speaking
Being able to speak a second language will enable you to communicate with native speakers on a conversational level. You’ll also be able to give presentations and speeches in a professional context.
Listening
Studying a language will expose you to different speaking styles, accents, and dialects, not to mention helping you understand a second language when spoken at speed. With good aural skills, you’ll be able to watch films, tv shows and listen to music from many different countries.
Reading
Your comprehension skills will be improved through reading in different languages. You’ll be able to read new books, and understand newspapers and online news sites in another language.
Writing
Learning a language at A-Level will expand your vocabulary and improve your written style in your target language as well as your native language. You’ll develop the ability to write in many different formats, for example, emails, texts, essays – and you’ll be able to understand signs, alerts and public notices.
Why study languages at A Level?
Studying languages beyond GCSE level also opens many more gap year and travel opportunities.
Where can languages take you?
Besides travelling, learning languages will also give you the chance to work abroad, for example during a ski season in France, or as an au pair, where your language skills will be indispensable. The opportunities are endless!
The cultural and historical knowledge that you’ll gain from studying languages at A-Level will also enhance your travelling experience, and aid your university study, should you decide to continue onto higher education. Beyond your academic career, languages can open doors to a much more diversified and exciting personal life, travelling and meeting new friends from all over the world!
Interested?
If you would like any more information, please speak to Miss Johnson.
You can also take a look at the AQA A Level Curriculum here:
De Aston Languages 