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Modern Languages - A Level

Penistone Grammar School

Huddersfield Road, Penistone, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S36 7BX

GCE A/AS Level or Equivalent
Level 3
Languages, Literature and Culture

Available start dates

Available start dates

Tuesday, 01 September 2026
Penistone Grammar School
2 Year(s)
Full time
Daytime/working hours

Course Summary

Studying French or Spanish at A Level will give practical competency as well as providing a basis for further study. We will expect you to be keen to develop your skills and to be increasingly independent in your studies. Motivation, commitment and enthusiasm for the subject are essential.

The A Level course is designed to build on the knowledge, understanding and skills you have gained at GCSE. It has a focus on language, culture and society as well as on grammar. You will develop a range of transferable skills including communication, critical thinking, research skills and creativity.


Course Details

In year 1 we will cover a variety of topic areas including:

- Aspects of French/Spanish-speaking society: current trends

- Artistic culture in the French/Spanish-speaking world

- The study of a film

In year 2, you will study the following topics:

- Aspects of French/Spanish-speaking society: current issues

- Aspects of political life in the French/Spanish-speaking world

- The study of a set text

You will sit exams which will cover all four skills:

- Listening, reading and writing exam, to include translation to and/or from English

- Writing exam, based on the texts or film studied

- Speaking exam

Entry requirements

To secure a place at our Post-16 Centre you will need five or more GCSE passes at Grade 5 or above and a minimum of a Grade 4 in both English Language and Mathematics. You will also need a Grade 5 at GCSE (or equivalent vocational qualification) for most subjects you want to study at A Level.

Your next steps...

Future Study and Career Opportunities

An A Level in Language can lead to Higher and Further study opportunities in Foreign Languages and International Studies.

Languages is recognised as a valuable qualification across a variety of sectors including Translation & Interpreting, Travel & Tourism, Hospitality, Journalism and Teaching.


For more courses like this, check our courses page.