Modern Languages
Welcome to the Brighton College Modern Languages Department
The Modern Languages department at Brighton College is highly successful. In the 2009 A level examinations we achieved record results including 100% A-B grades in Spanish, French and German. We offer an excellent environment for learning including recently-refurbished classrooms, interactive whiteboards and a language lab.
Pupils who arrive at Brighton College will be studying French, Spanish and Mandarin in the first year. They are then strongly encouraged to take at least one language at GCSE and continue to AS/A2 level should they have the aptitude and interest to do so.
We aim to offer the students at Brighton College a stimulating environment with challenging and enjoyable activities, in which the individual can fully develop his/her language and communication skills according to his/her potential. We believe that all pupils should feel a sense of enjoyment, satisfaction, fulfilment, achievement and progress in their language learning.
All pupils are given the opportunity to participate in cultural activities, including visits, trips and exchanges (see the trips link). Awareness of other cultures and a positive attitude to foreign traditions and customs is seen as being vital. We believe that we have an important role in broadening pupils’ horizons and encourage a sympathetic and open-minded attitude to speakers of foreign languages, other cultures and civilizations.
Curriculum and examinations
Students arriving at Brighton College have a unique opportunity to discover languages other than the ones they have studied in their previous school. Therefore, at the end of their first year they can make an informed choice as to which language(s) they wish to pursue at GCSE. We are also in the unique position to be able to offer any choice combination of languages, being just the one, or continuing with two languages from French, Spanish or Mandarin. Able linguists can also take up German to study in two years.
French, German, Spanish and Mandarin follow the AQA Examination syllabus. To view the syllabi, go to:
In the Sixth form, all three Languages are offered at A’ level. Students may opt to study their language to AS level only, although the vast majority continue to A2. All Modern Linguists are timetabled for one of their study periods with an assistante. We pride ourselves on the high quality of our teaching provision and the personal attention that we give to the needs and aspirations of each and every pupil.
French German and Spanish follow the AQA examination. To view the syllabi go to:
http://web.aqa.org.uk/qual/gce.php
Destinations
Pupils studying Modern Languages go on to study a wide range of subjects at university, often combining their language with another subject. Languages combine well with subjects as varied as Engineering and Art. Other pupils dedicate themselves solely to the study of language. Bath is a popular choice of university along with Bristol and Southampton.
We also offer a dedicated preparation programme for OXBRIDGE aspirants that prepares pupils thoroughly for application and what to expect from OXBRIDGE courses. Pupils who are interested in OXBRIDGE langauges may also wish deepen their understanding of a country's culture though an Extended Project Qualification, undertaken in the Lower 6th.
Careers with languages are wide-ranging. The constant is that employers see linguists as excellent communicators, intellectually able and committed.
To contact the dedicated members of the department, check out the staff link. We will be happy to answer any further questions.
A bientôt! Bis Bald! Hasta Luego!