Modern Languages at BRGS
Considering taking a Modern Language at A-level? Good move! Here are a few reasons why!
The reason I chose German at A Level at BRGS was mainly because I knew the teaching would be enthusiastic but also because no lesson requires the same kind of thinking. Whether it’s speaking, writing, reading or listening, German always provides an interesting element to my day. But most importantly, I am now more confident in my German after just two years and now looking forward to study ing it further at university. Amy Wilkinson
Without a specific future career in mind, studying A-Level Languages allowed me to widen my skill set whilst simultaneously doing a subject I love. Matt Fry
The study of a modern language is very well received by the Russell Group universities. Languages are rated highly as ‘facilitating subjects’ - those subjects which best prepare you for the rigours of a university degree course. In terms of ‘natural communicators’, linguists are right up there with the best of them. The ability and the confidence to get your point across will continue to be the central transferable skill of the 21st century. As the nature of the work we do changes , the need to ‘win friends and influence people’ remains a constant. The amount of British citizens without any genuine second language is shrinking year-on-year. Anyone with an A-level in a Modern Language will automatically shine when employers are looking at their CVs. Statistically, you will apply for around six jobs over a professional career—that makes six opportunities to stand out from the crowd as someone with a special ability and an increasingly prestigious qualification. Research points out that learning another language actually makes you smarter. Speaking a foreign language boosts the functionality of your brain by challenging it to recognise and negotiate meaning and to problem solve. When you ‘shift’ from one language to another, you are learning to ‘juggle’ or to multi-task. This skill has been seen to pay dividends in other areas of our lives - for example, we linguists tend to make less errors in driving!
It has been reported in the national press that linguists tend to have a stronger memory and that we are more able to ‘filter out’ information we do not need in order to focus on what is relevant - a skill which is much sought-after in any line of work!
Without any shadow of doubt, the study of a modern language will definitely improve your English and your understanding of English grammar. If your other A-level subjects involve a high level of literacy, then the depth of grammatical analysis undertaken in a Spanish, French or German course will stand you in very good stead.
If anyone asks you the question “What are you studying in the Sixth Form?” Just watch their facial expression when you say French, German or Spanish! That is the look of your family, your mates and your fellow students being impressed! Go on… try it! I chose to study a Modern Language at A-Level because I had thoroughly enjoyed my GCSE course and I knew that speakers of foreign languages are becoming increasingly sought after. I’m glad I made this decision. Lessons are challenging but fun, the content is interesting and the skills I have developed are indispensable. Bethanne Jones