Modern Foreign Languages

Russian

Russian is the world’s largest country and it has one of the fastest-growing economies. Job opportunities for Russian-speaking graduates of British universities are at an all-time high. In other words, there has never been a more important time to study Russian.

The department uses a wide range of materials including DVDs, computer software, PowerPoint, commercially-produced text-books and teacher-made resources.

There is a lunch-time Russian clinic each week for pupils who require extra help.

Key Stage 3

Russian is currently studied from Year 9 and above. The topics covered form the basis of Key Stage 4 work; they include My Family, My Town, School and Holidays. The emphasis is on developing the ability to use language effectively for practical communication when abroad or when meeting Russians in this country. Pupils also gain insights into the culture of Russia.

Key Stage 4

Assessment is by examination in which the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing have equal importance. The syllabus for this course is Edexcel; there is a single level of examination entry, written papers and a short oral test. Every GCSE candidate is offered a personalised CD to help them to prepare for their speaking examination.

A-level

Learning

Students develop their abilities in listening, speaking, reading and writing for the purposes of practical, everyday communication. They gain a broad knowledge of grammar and a more detailed knowledge of the culture and way of life of Russia.

Materials

The course emphasises a practical, hands-on approach to language-learning. A wide range of teaching materials is used, including newspaper articles, the Internet, video and audio recordings. Students have a conversation class every week. The school’s multimedia suite is available for at least one lesson per week and for self-access listening practice.

Course requirements

Students must:

• Have at least a grade B GCSE in Russian
• Be hard-working and well-motivated
• Enjoy meeting challenges
• Be prepared to spend some time each week learning new vocabulary and grammar
• Have an interest in communication

• Have an interest in learning about Russia

Future prospects and careers

Universities now offer a wide range of courses in which the study of a Russian is combined with, for example, law, business and management studies, information and media studies, sciences and engineering, to name but a few.

From the University of Leeds website:

‘Russian is the fifth most widely spoken language (after Chinese, English, Hindi and Spanish, according to the Nuffield Languages Enquiry 2000). Gaining a degree in Russian makes an impressive addition to your CV.

Employers recognise your ability to face a challenge, your initiative and your well-defined intellectual skills.’