Modern Foreign Languages

AS / A2 French and German, Entry Level Mandarin

Parlez-vous français? Sprechen Sie deutsch? 你说中文吗?

The college offers AS and A2 courses in French and German.  If you enjoyed your language at GCSE we would be delighted to have you join us!  We also offer opportunities to study Mandarin Chinese at Entry or Improvers Level for an Asset Languages qualification (administered by OCR).

Why Take A Language At AS Or A2?

A language at any level is an excellent choice!  It can be combined with almost any other subject. Language qualifications are highly regarded by universities, while employers know that these students have not only practical language skills but also an openness to other cultures. Many Hartlepool Sixth Form College language students go on to study a language at university, often in combination with another subject such as history, business or law.

How Will I Be Taught?

You will be taught in a fairly small class and will get to know other students quickly through group and pair work. We use a variety of teaching methods and resources, including texts, video clips, films, satellite television and internet.  Most listening work is done individually and students are encouraged to record their own speaking assignments so that they can monitor and improve their individual progress.

What Will I Learn?

In German and French you will build on your GCSE experience, extending your skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking as you study a wide range of contemporary issues.  These include (at AS) tourism, sport, entertainment, youth culture, health and education; and (at A2) the environment, new technologies, social exclusion and integration.  At A2, you will also study three cultural topics (books or films in the appropriate language), one of which you can choose for yourself.

In our Mandarin courses you will learn to speak, write and understand the language, while gaining insights into the rich culture, history and customs of China.

What Other Opportunities Are There?

For the past four years, HSFC students have participated in exchanges with a French Lycée in Senlis, just north of Paris; a further exchange is planned for 2012.  In 2011, French students also acted as interpreters during a Comenius visit on the theme of Rugby and Fair Play to the Lycée Louis Lumière in Chelles. In 2011 and 2009, German students have visited Heidelberg and Frankfurt-am-Main.  Students of Mandarin are planning a visit to China for 2012 which will include work experience, while the presence of International students in the College offers great opportunities to try out your Mandarin and experience festivals such as Chinese New Year! In short, we are always looking for new ways to forge links with our target language countries and to enhance language learning for students who take up this challenging but rewarding option.

Click here to download the course leaflet