A-Level Languages Offer So Much More

Studying a foreign language at A-Level offers many benefits that extend beyond linguistic proficiency. At Truro School, our language curriculum explores current societal and political issues, celebrates the advantages of our ethnically diverse communities, and reinforces our school values and the importance of fostering tolerance and respect for diversity.

Our small A-Level classes regularly discuss topical issues and current affairs, such as voting rights, the French political system, and the rapidly evolving political landscapes. Discussions are often student-led and have recently encompassed perspectives on strikes, protests, and other political tensions. Students have explored marginalised social groups and discussed attitudes towards crime so our students receive a comprehensive understanding of global affairs, which will empower them to become informed and proactive citizens wherever they decide to live.

In Spanish lessons, our focus extends to the intrinsic connection between food, language, customs and traditions in shaping cultural identity in Spain and South America. By immersing students in Hispanic culture, we aim to broaden their cultural horizons and deepen their appreciation for global diversity. As our students approach 18, we take pride in preparing them for civic responsibilities such as voting.

Our recent ‘Know Yourself, Grow Yourself’ assembly underscored the significance of language in self-discovery and embracing diverse perspectives. Events like the ‘Splash of Colour Day’ highlight the vibrancy that languages bring to our world.

Head of Lower Sixth, Lucy Jupp, Said, “Taking a language at A-Level not only promotes linguistic and cultural skills but is a valuable asset to future employers who actively recruit students who speak more than one language. In a global labour market, speaking and understanding another language adds enormous weight in business. Universities understand that too and students who take their chosen course alongside a foreign language are more likely to receive reduced offers of entry onto their undergraduate course.”

At Truro School, we are proud to offer A-Levels in German, Spanish, and French, making us a unique educational institution in Cornwall. By providing a comprehensive language curriculum, we equip our students with the tools and soft skills to navigate and hopefully thrive in an increasingly globally diverse landscape.