French and Spanish are two of the ‘romance’ european languages and well-suited at A level to students who have taken a similar language at GCSE level. By the end of the A level course students should expect to be close to fluent in the language they study and to have a wider vocabulary and understanding of grammar that can help in the understanding and use of their native language. They will also be required to read widely in the target language which can be an enriching and rewarding experience.
Universities are increasingly searching for students with a global outlook and with transferable skills as well as academic ability. Candidates who can speak another language are able to demonstrate and evidence these attributes clearly. Several universities require applicants to all subjects to have a working knowledge of at least one non-native language and all modern languages are considered to be facilitating subjects by the Russell Group of universities.