Before the radical changes to the languages curriculum that began in the late 1980s, the study of literature and the language required to read it were the unique focus of languages study in secondary schools. By comparison, the modern (Italian) A level contains very little study of literature, if any, and the syllabus is designed around a defined list of culturally non-specific – General Topics – chosen, it would seem, according to a politically correct agenda. In practice, of course, many teachers introduce a great deal of up to date and specifically Italian content, often by redefining or adapting topic headings to include aspects of Italian history, economics, politics and so forth, especially at A2. It is true that in the second year of the course, students are expected to study one more specific (historical, geographic, social or cultural) topic but it is only assessed by a brief essay. The fact remains that very little of A Level is assessed for a candidate’s knowledge or understanding of Italy or Italian society. A new equivalent examination (Pre-U) attempts to introduce a more interdisciplinary approach, allowing for the study of a cultural topic studied through the prism of a minimum of two plays, films or books as well as a specified work of literature, though the vast majority of schools will undoubtedly continue to offer A level. With A level reform underway, it is incumbent on all, including universities who have been promised “ownership” of A level by the Secretary of State, to contribute to the design of the new – more rigorous – examinations which are due to be introduced in the next 2 or 3 years. Here is an opportunity to encourage (through the design of the new examinations) the study of a range of culturally specific, interdisciplinary topics to promote student interest in the culture of the language being studied, to study such topics as climate change and drug abuse and so make the study of Italian (or French, or German or Spanish), in sixth forms at least, more distinctive and stimulating for the student.
