Italian GCSE Ab Initio AS in Yr 2

Italian GCSE (Ab Initio AS in Yr 2)
An intensive beginners language course for students with no previous experience of Italian leading to AS and A2 in the second year.

What does the course involve?
This course is for people who have not had the opportunity to learn Italian. You will take the GCSE exam at the end of the year, but will find the learning experience very different from what you have been used to. Our students tell us that they are surprised how much fun it is! You will make astonishing progress as you will have 5 hours of class a week. By Easter you should be at a really good GCSE standard and able to begin AS level work.

What will I study?
The course involves intensive study of the language which will allow you to reach GCSE standard in approximately 20 weeks. You will then move on to more advanced language work which will prepare you for the AS/A2 course the following year.

What are the entry requirements for Italian GCSE (Ab Initio AS in Yr 2)?
You should only apply for this course if you meet, or expect to meet, the following requirements:-

• Previous experience or skills are essential

How is the course assessed?

• Examination at the end of the course
• Oral test

What else do I need to know?
Why study an ab initio language?
For the challenge, for excitement, to do something completely new! Both Spanish and Italian are easier to learn, to spell and to pronounce than French and there is a big demand in business for speakers of these languages. Whether you are adding to language skills you already have or would like to learn a language in a completely different way, this is the course for you. Language skills are highly prized in the job market, not only for their practical applications but also as proof that you have a good level of intellectual ability. And finally, how much more enjoyable is travelling when you can communicate easily in a language other than English?

What other costs are there?
Supplementary Costs
Band A (£0 - £50)

Frequently Asked Questions
What will it lead to?
In your second year here you will be able to complete both the AS and the A2 course. Although this seems a tall order, our students have a record of very good results, many of them enjoying the course so much that they continue with their language study at university. You will be able to apply for a language related degree course, either in the language you have studied or in a completely new language. Cirencester students have gone on to study Chinese, Hebrew and Russian for example. Many universities offer languages as a bolt on option to degrees in other subjects which generally allow you to spend a year of your degree course studying or working abroad.

Are there any trips?
We very much encourage you to spend some time abroad practising your language skills and we can put you in touch with companies who organise work experience and homestays.

Do I need any study aids?
You will need to buy a good dictionary for use at home, and possibly grammar and vocabulary reference books.

What are the entry requirements?
You should only apply for this course if you meet, or expect to meet, the following requirements: Evidence of proven linguistic ability (i.e. fluency in another foreign language) OR GCSE grade A or B in ANOTHER foreign language.
Exam Board = AQA

This information is believed to be correct. Cirencester College continually updates and reviews its provision to ensure that it meets the needs of the community. Therefore the right to amend, change or delete learning programmes, accreditation routes or terms and conditions relating to entitlement to study is reserved at all times. We aim to provide open access to a comprehensive range of high quality education and training for the whole community over the age of 16 regardless of race, class, belief, language, gender, sexual orientation, disability, previous educational attainment or particular circumstances.