Languages

If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.

Nelson Mandela

In today’s world, understanding diversity and togetherness is paramount and learning a language is a vital skill that enables our young people to engage with the world in a more immediate and meaningful way.

Furthermore, taking a language through to A Level, can open any number of doors; it can help you stand out from the crowd in the jobs market or when applying at university, provide great opportunities for travel and work abroad and languages are subjects which can be studied alongside virtually any other subject at Sixth Form. 

We offer A levels in French, Spanish and German as well as a Pre-U qualification in Mandarin as part of the core curriculum. Additionally for our students who speak French, Spanish, German, Russian, Cantonese, Mandarin, Italian and Japanese fluently, we offer guidance and preparation towards an A Level in the student’s own language, which can have benefits in terms of university applications or simply a way to enjoy your native language whilst studying at Bede’s. 

At Sixth Form, we offer a wealth of opportunities to our linguists to, not only study the language, but also the culture of countries. Our students are able to participate in study and cultural trips to Spain, France, Germany or China, and will also find peers in school who speak their chosen language fluently, providing daily opportunities for practice.

The study of Classics at A Level involves both the learning of a language and the study of literature.

Study of Latin at this level requires an increased study of vocabulary and syntax as well as covering some of the glorious wealth of literature such as Propertius, Tibullus and Ovid.

One of the great strengths of a small department is the individually-tailored attention that each pupil receives, meaning the progress and achievement of each pupil is the best it can possibly be. 

The EAL Department at Bede’s supports second language learners as well as encourages them to share their cultures with others, both native to the UK or from one of the many countries we have represented here at Bede’s.

We offer a number of language qualifications, which are vital for both the next step of their academic life, and to thrive in their studies.  

Our experienced staff help every EAL student with their language development, in addition to academic and pastoral support on a daily basis. Our doors are always open, and we have a vibrant EAL community here, which has been thriving for many years. Our staff also understand the rigours of study at Sixth Form level and offer subject support to help students through the most challenging aspects of their A Level or BTEC studies, be that exam revision, coursework or a dissertation.

Non-native speakers follow one of two course-strands in the Sixth Form. The first is the IGCSE First Language English which is designed for pupils whose English is native or near-native. It develops the ability communicate clearly, accurately and effectively in both speech and writing.  A grade C pass is the equivalent to a GCSE C grade or an IELTS 6.5.

Bede’s also offers IELTS which is widely recognised as a reliable means of assessing whether candidates are ready to study in the medium of English and is used as an assessment or entry test by all UK universities and recognised throughout the world.  We offer this one year course to Upper Sixth pupils in parallel with their A level subjects. 

We offer specialist tutors who have developed extensive knowledge of the university application process.  Bede’s also has an adviser who specialises in overseas university applications, so we can regardless of whether an overseas student is looking to study at university in the UK, or anywhere else in the world, we are able to provide the support they need.

The success of the department could be measured by our excellent results, especially by the fact that all of our Sixth Form students meet their English requirements, year on year. However, we take just as much pride in the number of our alumni who stay in touch and return to see us regularly, seeing the staff in EAL as part of their lives long after they have left.