Welcome to Languages
Languages Open Evening
Our Languages live event is now over, feel free to watch the recording!
About Languages
During your time in our Language Centre, you won't just perfect your grammar and vocabulary; you'll immerse yourself in a country's culture, history, society and trends too.
Our A-level German, Spanish and French allows you to embark on a journey of research and analysis; study books, films, political and artistic culture and social trends, whilst continuing to improve your grammar.
Students who have an interest in developing their German skills alongside their other three A-levels enjoy the German Goethe-Zertifikat. This globally recognised qualification will give you an edge in the employment market.
A-level French
The A-level French course will allow you to broaden your mind, to discover a world beyond your own culture, it will allow you to acquire a different way of thinking.
- More than 200 million people speak French on five continents!!
- You will be able to have an alternative view of the world by reading articles, listening to news clips from the leading French-language media.
- You will be able to practice the four skills: reading, writing, listening, speaking through varied activities.
- You will be able to develop an analytical mind through debates and discussions.
- You will be able to write a perfectly structured essay.
- An ability to speak French and English is an advantage in the job market. A knowledge of French opens the doors to French companies and other French-speaking parts of the world.
A-level German
A good knowledge of the German language will give you access to interesting, vibrant and hospitable countries in the heart of Europe – countries that are fun, as well as successful. What's more, there aren't many native English speakers who master the German language to such high levels.
Germany is the economic motor of Europe and one of our biggest trading partners, and employers are keen to recruit German speakers. As the UK is in the process of leaving the EU it has become even more important to nurture linguists.
Furthermore, it’s not just the language – it’s the understanding of the people and the culture you’ll acquire that will impress. Yes, there are Mercedes and Siemens, but there are also buzzing cultural scenes of all kinds; theatre, music, film, literature and yes, there is even (funny) comedy.
Goethe-Zertifikat B1
The Goethe-Zertifikat B1 is a German course for young people and adults. It certifies that candidates are independent users of the German language and corresponds to the third level (B1) on the six-level scale of competence laid down in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (similar to an AS Level).
At St Brendan's we are very passionate about language learning and the added opportunities the study of a foreign language brings to our students. This qualification will give students with a GCSE in German the possibility to consolidate and improve their knowledge of the language alongside their chosen A levels, increasing their employability options.
A-level Spanish
This course offers you the opportunity to become competent in the language but, equally important, it will provide you with skills that employers look for: critical thinking and problem solving, excellent memory capacity, a global outlook, intercultural competence, a great team player. You will stand out from the crowd for a good reason!
At A-level, you study a range of cutting edge topics through the practice of the four skills: listening, reading, speaking and writing. You learn about the world around you whilst you develop further your research and analytical skills. You will have many opportunities to practice your abilities in class and through a range of visits and partnerships.
Don't take our word for it, have a look at Gina's video about why she is enjoying Spanish at A-level.
Entry Requirements
All 3 courses require you to have achieved 5 GCSE Grade 4s (or equivalent) including English Language.
A-level French - additional entry criteria:
- 6 in GCSE French or fully bilingual in French
A-level German - additional entry criteria:
- 6 in GCSE German or fully bilingual in German
A-level Spanish - additional entry criteria:
- 6 in GCSE Spanish or fully bilingual in Spanish
Goethe-Zertifikat - additional entry criteria:- To be taken alongside 3 A-levels. 4 in GCSE German
- To be taken alongside 3 A-levels. 4 in GCSE German
Anne
Blanca
Carmen
Meet Your Teachers!
Our Languages Team has a wealth of expertise. They come from a wide range of business and educational backgrounds which is shared across all courses, ensuring that you learn from real-world knowledge and experience.
Helpful Videos
Take a look at these recordings from our previous Live Events.
Hear our subject specialists talk about different aspects of the courses and answering questions from other students interested in studying a language at St Brendan's.
German A-level & Goethe-Zertifikat
German FAQs
French A-level and Spanish A-level
French and Spanish FAQs
A-level German Student: Georgina
'Studying A-level German has allowed me to develop my spoken language skills through class debates. St Brendan's offers a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities for Language students. Last summer I took part in a summer camp in Koblenz, and this summer I will hopefully be returning for work experience. I hope to study International Management and Modern Languages at the University of Bath.'
Georgina Studied: German, English Literature and Mathematics
A-level French Student: Abbie
'I chose A-Level French because I’d worked hard at GCSE and didn’t want to lose my language skills, but A-Level French is so much more than that. I’ve really enjoyed learning more about French culture and especially loved studying the film (La Haine).
The speaking workshops at the University of Bristol have been really helpful and I’ve also loved being a part of the Podcast “Replique”, where a group of us students discuss one of the topics in more detail. I love studying a language because it opens up more opportunities and experiences for me in the future, and it gives me a whole new perspective on the world around me.'
Kirsty studied A-level French, Chemistry and Further Maths
A-level Spanish Student: Assia
'I've always had a keen interest in learning about other cultures, and Spanish was one of my favourite subjects at GCSE.
Although the language learning itself can be challenging, the modules that you study are really interesting, and you get to explore a lot of different aspects of Hispanic culture. Next year I am planning to study Spanish and Philosophy at Kings College, London.'
Assia studied: A-level English Literature, Graphic Communication, Music Technology and Spanish
Alumni: Lauren
After leaving St Brendan's, I studied Modern Languages with the Open University and graduated with a First Class Honours Degree. I then set up my own company, B_Abel Linguistic Services, which offered translation and proofreading services. I worked with professional clients across the world, including Monarch Airlines, Google and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Of Japan.
Whilst running my company, I completed an MA in Applied Linguistics and a PhD in Language and Communication at Cardiff University. Shortly after completing my PhD, I was given the opportunity to work as a visiting scholar at Örebro University in Sweden, whilst there I completed my A2 (CEFR) level in Swedish.
The subjects I studied at St Brendan's and the support I received from the teachers were essential in starting me on my career pathway. I am very thankful for the opportunities that the college gave me.
Lauren Studied: Spanish, French, Italian and an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification)
Careers in Languages
Language students from St Brendan's progress to a wide range of university courses and apprenticeships.
Every year our dedicated Careers Teams arrange Careers Fairs and sector-specific events for students to explore all of their options. They also arrange talks from industry experts and St Brendan's Alumni.
Throughout your time at St Brendan's, the Careers Team door is always open for one-to-one appointments and advice and guidance.
Use the Pathways tool below to explore various progression routes to numerous careers through Higher Education courses and Apprenticeships.
