Learning a Foreign Language
Whether you are thinking of studying abroad and need to brush up on the local dialect, or you just want to improve your lingual skills before you travel, it can be very rewarding to learn a foreign language. Not only does it allow you to communicate effectively when visiting another country, but it can also be incredibly useful when getting around, ordering food and speaking to locals.
Not only that, learning a foreign language can benefit you intellectually in a number of ways. The ability to recall new phrases and words on command can dramatically improve your memory, whilst switching between languages can increase your capacity for multi-tasking.
Two of the most useful languages to learn are French and Spanish, especially if you find yourself travelling around Europe. They also have similarities when it comes to the spelling and pronunciation of words, so learning them one after the other can be particularly beneficial. Have a read of our French and Spanish A-Level courses and how they could benefit you.
SPANISH A LEVEL
As the second largest language in the world (behind Chinese), Spanish is widely spoken in many countries other than Spain, so comes in handy for someone wishing to travel.
Our Spanish A-level course offers candidates the chance to gain a thorough grasp of the language, as well as learn about the country, culture and people of Spain. In order to gain a comprehensive understanding, candidates are tested on:
- Listening
- Speaking
- Reading
- Writing
The course takes the form of online lessons that will cover 10 units, supported by contact with a personal tutor, oral material on CD-ROM and textbooks. It will formally prepare candidates for undertaking the AS and A2 examinations, which they will take at their closest AQA examination centre. Alternatively, candidates can study the AS Level or A2 level courses separately, depending on individual requirements.
FRENCH A LEVEL
In comparison, French is the 14th largest language in the world, spoken by over 75 million people in 53 countries. With France being the largest non-English-speaking country to the UK, learning the language makes perfect sense for those wanting to start off travelling in Europe.
Our French A-level course is great for getting to grips with the language and can be studied from home. In order to gain a comprehensive understanding, candidates are tested on:
- Listening
- Speaking
- Reading
- Writing
The course takes the form of online lessons that will cover units including Media, Popular Culture and Family Relationships. A personal tutor is assigned to each candidate to help them with the course materials, and they also have access to online resources through Kerboodle. A mixture of assignments, oral examinations and written papers will assess the candidate throughout the AS and A2 sections of the course. The examinations must be taken at the nearest AQA examination centre. Alternatively, candidates can study the AS Level or A2 level courses separately, depending on individual requirements.
Interested in studying a foreign language? Distance Learning Centre offer a range of language courses at different levels, from IGCSE's to A-levels. Whether you are completely new to a language or wish to carry on your studies from school, we can provide a course to suit you.
Check out our French IGCSE, Spanish IGCSE, French A Level and Spanish A Level pages for more information, or contact Distance Learning Centre today.
SOURCES:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationopinion/10126883/Why-learn-a-foreign-language-Benefits-of-bilingualism.html
https://www.ethnologue.com/statistics/size
