Why study a language at A-Level?

First and foremost because its fun!  But there are plenty of more practical reasons too...

With the competition for university places growing ever fiercer, it really pays to have a foreign language qualification up your sleeve, even if you are not applying for a languages course.  A foreign language is widely considered to be one of those rigorously academic subjects we keep hearing about, and is also favoured by higher education institutions for the communication skills that it helps students to develop.

Just think about the work and study possibilities that you may be opening up for yourself if you study a language.  Going to university or working abroad is the new black, and also a phenomenal life-enhancing experience.  An A level in a foreign language can give you an invaluable linguistic base on which to build your fluency, and once you have 'learnt how to learn' your first foreign language, the second one is so much easier to pick up.  Employers prefer candidates who already have the language qualifications and skills too, as it saves them money on training and also gives you a proven track record.

Language skills also mean that you will gain so much more from travel experiences.  Ever come back from a trip abroad thinking "it was fun but I wish there hadn't been so many tourists there?"  If you can communicate in the local lingo you can find out local knowledge from the natives that help you to get 'off-the beaten track' and see things that other tourists miss.  Just think of all the exciting cultural experiences you could have with a foreign language!

It opens your mind - literally!  Research shows that using more than two languages regularly can reduce your chances of developing Dementia, including Alzheimer's Disease.  Other evidence suggests that studying language can improve memory and slow age-related decline in mental agility.  Critical thinking skills also improve as you learn to see the world through a different cultural perspective so learning a second language actually stimulates your creative streak too!