french or spanish

8

which should i do for a levellll

Reply 1

9

things to consider:

1) which is your strongest subject and/or the one you most enjoy? honestly enjoyment (and even how much you like the teacher) can make or break an a-level

2) is there a possibility of either doing both, or keeping the other up in your free time while doing one?

3) if you're considering mfl at university, and hypothetically want to do both languages, universities much more often require prior qualifications in french (and don't offer top up or ab initio courses) than in spanish or other languages

4) what is your reason for taking mfl at a-level? could this influence which one you take?

Reply 2

YOLOright

9

I did French and German. Could you do both if you're interested in both French and Spanish?

Other things to consider, apart from interest:

•

Spanish: More widely spoken globally than French, especially in the Americas. It's useful for travel, international business, and communication in many countries. If you're interested in Latin America or the U.S., Spanish is a great asset.

•

French: Spoken in Europe, Africa, and Canada. It's important in international diplomacy, arts, and high-level academic or cultural fields. French is also highly valuable if you're interested in sectors like fashion, cuisine, or global institutions like the UN or the EU.

Would that impact your decision? Choose based on your interests—if you're leaning toward global business or travel, Spanish might be better. If you're interested in international relations, culture, or European institutions, French could be more advantageous. Both languages open up great opportunities regardless.

Reply 3

Tillyk0409

1

Original post

by leah.grace

which should i do for a levellll

I know two people who took both at A level ( I do French) and both agreed that Spanish was easier overall and that they preferred the topics that they studied with AQA. Things you may not have thought to consider are:

•

What will the class sizes be? I had a class of 7 before I moved schools to a class of 2. I felt more comfortable in a class of 7 as there was less pressure.

•

Are your classmates or teachers going to be native speakers? I find native speaking teachers really helpful but as my only classmate is a native speaker I feel like I'm talked over and don't understand their cultural references. But in the class of 7 there was a mix of native and non-native speakers which meant things were more explained as teachers and others were aware that we may not understand.

•

What book and film would you do? Some books and films are easier and more enjoyable than others so maybe research them and see which one you think you would enjoy more.

•

Which one do you enjoy more? Because I'd say Spanish is considered easier overall but if your heart is set on French it is a good A-level.

If you also want some context I got an 8 (1 mark off a 9) at GCSE and I am predicted a B which if I had known that I may not have picked it as an A level. I hope this covers the pros and cons of French and Spanish but also just taking a language and that I haven't scared you off! If you have any other questions, I am happy to help :smile:

Reply 4

est2002

5

Original post

by Tillyk0409

I know two people who took both at A level ( I do French) and both agreed that Spanish was easier overall and that they preferred the topics that they studied with AQA. Things you may not have thought to consider are:

•

What will the class sizes be? I had a class of 7 before I moved schools to a class of 2. I felt more comfortable in a class of 7 as there was less pressure.

•

Are your classmates or teachers going to be native speakers? I find native speaking teachers really helpful but as my only classmate is a native speaker I feel like I'm talked over and don't understand their cultural references. But in the class of 7 there was a mix of native and non-native speakers which meant things were more explained as teachers and others were aware that we may not understand.

•

What book and film would you do? Some books and films are easier and more enjoyable than others so maybe research them and see which one you think you would enjoy more.

•

Which one do you enjoy more? Because I'd say Spanish is considered easier overall but if your heart is set on French it is a good A-level.

If you also want some context I got an 8 (1 mark off a 9) at GCSE and I am predicted a B which if I had known that I may not have picked it as an A level. I hope this covers the pros and cons of French and Spanish but also just taking a language and that I haven't scared you off! If you have any other questions, I am happy to help :smile:

What exam board are you doing?

Reply 5

Tillyk0409

1

Original post

by est2002

What exam board are you doing?

AQA

french or spanish

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