Italian
"A different language is a different vision of life" - Federico Fellini
Studying Italian at A Level allows the learner to move from the physical acquisition of the language at GCSE to its practical application; using the language to enter the worlds of culture, politics, history and society in this fascinating and beautiful country.
With one of the leading European economies and a healthy manufacturing and export market, many employers seek people who speak Italian as well as English fluently; Italian can be combined with a wide variety of subjects, both at A Level and as a Degree. It is key to future studies, research and careers in the fields of art history, literature, archaeology, philosophy, music, fashion, business. In addition, the skills learnt along the way; communication, rationalisation, organisation, intercultural awareness, are all highly valued in the job market.
A different vision of life; here for the taking.
Skills Required
The successful A Level student will be a keen and committed learner of Italian, who can work independently and inquisitively. You should have a confident knowledge of the major verb tenses and forms for both regular and irregular verbs, as well as a firm understanding of articles, gender and adjectives. Familiarity with the vocabulary from GCSE topics will be assumed.
Topics Covered
The two main areas of study during the Italian A level are social issues and trends and political, intellectual and artistic culture.
With a solid language base, such as that evidenced with a good GCSE grade, we very quickly build on this foundation by introducing more complex grammatical structures, and a wealth of vocabulary. You will start to express yourself with increased confidence and fluency, and in greater detail, using evidence, ideas and opinions to construct your arguments in speech and writing on a variety of topics.
Lessons will be carried out mainly in Italian and you will be expected to communicate in Italian for the great majority of the time. You will also be expected to carry out independent work in order to help your progression. You will have two teachers in the Lower Sixth as well as a weekly one to one lesson with a language assistant, who will encourage and help you on an individual basis. Teachers are enthusiastic and dedicated, positive in their approach to students.
Much of the language work is based upon the reading of a variety of texts and listening to a range of sources of authentic material. The department also organises a one-week study course to Italy each academic year. This immersive experience; staying with families and attending language and culture classes at a local language school, gives a real insight into Italian life as well as helping greatly with linguistic competence, fluency and confidence.
Methods of Assessment
Paper 1: Listening, Reading & Writing
Students will have to respond (in Italian) to spoken and written passages from a range of contexts and sources as well as translate into English.
Paper 2: Writing
Students will answer an essay question in Italian about the film and the book studied in class, as well as translate into Italian.
Paper 3: Speaking
Students will have a 20 minute speaking assessment, where they will have a discussion around one of the themes from the course and also present and discuss their own research project.
Meet the Staff
If you have a specific enquiry for the Italian Department, email italian@kes.hants.sch.uk.
| Mrs S. Rugge-Price, MA | Co-ordinator of Italian, Teacher of Spanish |
| Mr R. Soames, BA | Teacher of Italian and German |
| Mrs B Belgiorno-Appleyard | Italian Language Assistant |
