Future Linguists

Careers Academy

Course introduction

There has never been a more important time to study languages. Having an additional language can enhance your employability in a world which increasingly depends on global relationships. In a post-Brexit UK, language skills are increasingly in demand by employers. Typically, businesses do not demand native-level proficiency, but want employees to be able to build positive relationships and demonstrate the cultural awareness that often comes with having studied a language. On the Future Linguists elective, you will be offered opportunities to meet linguists and find out more about careers which involve languages, whilst developing an analytical outlook on the importance of languages in education and the world of work. We will also encourage you to develop skills to learn new languages independently, to use your languages in practical situations and to develop intercultural relationships and outward-looking attitudes.

Who should follow the programme?

Any student currently following one or more A Level language course with at least a grade 6 or above in a GCSE language.

What activities can you expect to experience?

We have developed the Future Linguists elective to enhance your language skills with aspects that are not typically covered by the A Level course, including vocational and professional skills, transactional and practical language, reflection on the importance of language skills in the UK and the future of language learning, independent learning of new languages, as well as vital intercultural and interpersonal skills to prepare you for further study and travel.

• You will independently study – with our guidance – a new language alongside your Advanced Level work to a basic level, such as Arabic, German, Russian or Mandarin. This will be assessed via portfolio and presentation.

• We will provide opportunities to study Business and Holiday Languages modules in French and/or Spanish.

• Students will be encouraged to attend SJR extra-curricular clubs such as Mandarin, Latin and Sign Language and the International Film club.

• You will write an academic essay, writing in English, about an issue related to languages in education or in the economy. You will also be given opportunities to enter external essay writing competitions.

• We will provide opportunities for you to engage with visiting speakers and linguists from industry, academia and alumni.

• International links – we will support students to find a correspondent in the French / Spanish speaking world or further afield.

• You will be encouraged to help with languages delivery in primary / secondary schools.

• We will support you to find opportunities to secure short work placements in companies where languages are used.

St John Rigby College is proud to be in a unique position in the local area to be able to offer Arabic for the first time for our students. Thanks to funding awarded by The British Council and The Qatar Foundation, we are offering an entry level, extra-curricular course, which can lead to a recognised Level 1 qualification.

Why Arabic?

Arabic is the fifth most-spoken language in the world.

Research identifies it as the fourth most important language for future job opportunities, after Spanish, Mandarin and French.

You will learn more about the Arab world, which is useful for students of history, politics, business – and others!

Help break down cultural barriers, challenge misconceptions and negative attitudes and appreciate the vast diversity of Arab culture.

A real challenge – learning Arabic is completely different to French/ Spanish/German! For a start, there is a completely different alphabet!

Stand out from others in university applications and in the employment market.

What about trips and visits?

Trips to experience other cultures and exchange visits

Annual Languages trips to Oxford and Cambridge

Lectures trips and University visits

You will develop the following employability skills:

Communication and interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Memory skills

Strong attention to detail

A high level of personal resilience and perseverance

Independence

Intercultural understanding and global outlook

What will this elective lead to after SJR?

Having an additional language can enhance your employability in a world which increasingly depends on global relationships. Employers and universities alike welcome and value students with qualifications in languages due to the wide-ranging, transferrable skills that are developed throughout the courses. The languages elective can lead to a range of career opportunities in media organisations, publishing companies, marketing and PR companies, the Civil Service, law and accountancy firms, IT and telecommunications firms, primary and secondary schools, language schools both in the UK and abroad, the NHS and private hospitals.