Learning a foreign language is not just about vocabulary and grammar; it's about history, culture, philosophy, politics, society, art, literature, music, geography, folklore and fiestas.
By studying a foreign language you will learn to see the world through the eyes of a completely different culture and therefore broaden your horizons and open your mind.
A language is your passport to a whole new world. What are you waiting for?

German is the language of Goethe, Nietzsche and Kafka, Mozart, Bach and Beethoven, Freud and Einstein.

If you speak Spanish, you can communicate with 500 million people worldwide! Spanish is the mother tongue of 350 million people in 21 countries.

French is an official language in 33 countries, second only to English.  French is the mother tongue of approximately 75 million people. French and English are the only languages spoken on five continents and taught in every country in the world.

Why study languages at Abbey?

Contrary to popular belief, not everybody speaks English.  We live in a multilingual world.  There are currently 6,912 known living languages in the world.

Personal Development; Top employers look for social skills, ability to work in a team, communication skills, problem-solving skills, confidence, experience, open mindedness, flexibility.  Learning a language gives you all these skills. 

Learning a language makes you stand out from the crowd.  It is estimated that only one in 10 UK workers can speak a foreign language.  Give yourself the edge in the global job market of the 21st century.
 
Languages are good for business.  Foreign languages and cultural awareness are vital for networking both abroad and at home.  Over 300 languages are spoken in London alone.

If you search for "languages" on www.ucas.com you will find over 5,000 University Courses which allow you to study languages in combination with other subjects and which often include the possibility of spending a year abroad:  e.g. French for Engineers [Cambridge], Philosophy and Modern Languages [Oxford], Art History and Italian, Spanish for Scientists, Russian for Historians, Cell and Molecular Biology with French, German Studies and Psychology.

Language graduates have no problem finding a job:  civil service, police, law, international organisations [E.U., U.N. etc], fashion, financial services, libraries, museums and galleries, travel and tourism, hotels and catering, advertising and market research, retail management, sales and marketing, international recruitment, broadcasting, teaching, journalism, publishing, translation and interpreting, science and IT, voluntary organisations and charities,

Opportunities for travel; The majority of Modern Languages degree courses in the UK include a period of supported residence abroad.  It's the ultimate gap year experience and will probably be the best year of your life [I speak from experience]
    

Did you know?

Germany has the 3rd strongest economy and is the number 1 export nation in the world.  Two-thirds of the world's international trade fairs take place in Germany.

Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp, Madonna, John Travolta, Kylie Minogue and Queen Elizabeth II all speak French [but probably not as well as you do].

Spanish gives you access to the exciting and colourful world of Latino culture:  Come and join the FIESTA.  Lorca, Salvador Dali, Antonio Gaudi, Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras, Santana, Jennifer Lopez, Enrique Iglesias, Cristina Aguilera, Shakira, Pedro Almodovar, Antonio Banderas, Penelope Cruz, SalmaHaye. Did you know that the second most translated book after the Bible is Don Quijote de la Mancha by Miguel de Cervantes?  Or that the most expensive painting ever sold is a Picasso?

French is one of the official working languages in dozens of international organisations: the United Nations, UNESCO, NATO, the International Olympic Committee, the European Union, the European Court of Justice, Amnesty International, Interpol, the World Health Organisation, the Red Cross and the World Trade Organization.

The value of business between Spain and the UK is about £21.2 billion per year.  Latin American countries are currently experiencing strong economic growth and becoming important global commercial partners.

18% of the world's books are published in German.  Many of the Western World's most important works of philosophy, literature, music, art, history, theology, psychology, science, engineering and medicine are written in German.

French, Spanish and German are official languages of the European Union of 27 nations, the world's largest economic entity. With a population of almost 500 million citizens and a gross national product larger than the United States, the European Union is an economic Super Power.

Studying French, Spanish, German at Abbey College

• The aim of the Modern Languages Department is to turn you into a highly motivated, confident linguist who can communicate effectively in a variety of situations.

• Throughout the course you will study language structures, grammar and vocabulary in the context of culture, history and society. The majority of your lessons will be conducted in the foreign language.

You will study the following topics from a French, Spanish or German perspective:

• Relationships, Family and Youth   
• Popular Culture
• Social issues, Law and Justice
• Technology
• Transport, Travel and Tourism
• Beliefs and Moral Issues
• Education and Employment
• Food, Diet and Health
• Current Affairs and Media
• Leisure and the Arts
• Multicultural Society
• The Environment

You will participate in a wide range of classroom activities designed to practise and develop your language skills and prepare you for your exams. Here are just a few;

Listening: TV/Radio reports and documentaries, music, cinema and theatre.

Speaking: Conversation, debates, presentations, role plays and songs.

Reading: Magazines, Newspapers, Internet, Literature (novels, poetry and plays)

Writing: Essays, letters, articles, opinions, creative writing, posters and displays, research projects.

You will have the opportunity to participate in the following extra-curricular activities; foreign film festivals, foreign restaurants, Language Day events, excursions, cultural celebrations, student Language Conferences, University open days.

Course Requirements

For AS French, Spanish* or German the typical entry requirement is a GCSE Grade C or above.

Enthusiasm, commitment and determination are also essential requirements.

*It is possible to take AS Spanish from scratch if you are a keen linguist with proven ability.

Rachel Lasham
Head of Modern Languages