Topical Podcasts for AS and A Level

Up-to-the-minute podcasts covering current events and contentious issues in target-language countries. Spoken by native speakers and accompanied by relevant activities, these contemporary recordings mix authentic cultural exposure with valuable language practice.

Fabulous... I cannot wait to use this!

R Bravo, Spanish Teacher & Peer Reviewer
AS With built-in differentiation – podcasts are signposted as easy, medium or hard
A Level With extension ‘debate’ tasks – get students talking about a variety of thought-provoking issues
  • 12–13 topical podcasts provide a modern and engaging platform for listening practice – with interviews, reports, radio programmes, reviews, opinions and more!
  • Closely linked to topics from the 2016 AS and A Level specifications – the perfect companion to your teaching! Students learn relevant vocabulary and useful structures.
  • Vocabulary, comprehension, speaking and writing tasks help students get the most out of the podcasts
  • Use as whole-class listening exercises or upload to students’ MP3 players for independent study
Plus!
  • Full transcripts double up as extra support or additional reading practice
  • Answers included for easy self-, peer- or teacher assessment

The perfect way to develop students’ skills for AO4 (cultural knowledge) and AO3 (quality of language) – both relevant to new AS and A Level exams!

What do teachers say about this resource? (6837)

Fabulous (...) I cannot wait to use this! The themes are very recent and up-to-date. The texts are authentic material, very well written, with a great variety of structures, tenses, connectives, conjuctions…. I really like how the resource takes it further and beyond by incorporating productive tasks (writing and speaking) which can really stretch the more able. I find incredibly useful the tasks relating to synonyms and antonyms, which not only prepare students for the listening paper but also for the reading.

R Bravo, Spanish Teacher & Peer Reviewer

Excellent listening resources. Covers ‘current trends of society and artistic and political culture’ topics

M Mortimer, HoD & Customer

I would definitely buy this resource pack as I could use it in various different ways: as homework, interactive and in class. Covers all the topics and the source materials are interesting and up to date (...) Apart from consolidating exam listening skills, the resource pack would allow students to build their vocabulary, writing and speaking skills. I particularly liked the “Did you know“ section which students will find interesting and which gives the teacher the opportunity to explore some cultural aspects of the language.

E Lerin, Course Leader & Peer Reviewer

I enjoyed reviewing this. I had never thought of using podcasts as a tool in class before (generally because they are not easily available, or are very challenging for A level students). I like the activities where you underline the words you hear. This is a brilliant activity to use where students really have to listen to the text. Similarly the vocab builders are excellent. [I also like the] variety of activities from both Spain and Latin America. I would use this resource for students to work at home/in the library. They have the transcripts and answers so this promotes independent learning. An excellent revision tool.

C Morgan, Head of Spanish and Peer Reviewer

A useful tool to help students improve their listening skills and the vast majority of the activities can be completed independently. The topics are interesting and current which makes them quite appealing. I liked the fact that each worksheet introduces new vocabulary at the start of the exercise to help make it more accessible to learners. I also like the comprehension activities which mean that even if teachers don’t want to use the resources as podcasts they can still give their students the comprehension activities to complete as exam practice.

R Madila, Spanish Teacher & Peer Reviewer

This could enhance learning in that it uses topics and material which is more appealing to the average AS student and builds up knowledge of culture. Worksheets are well set out and clear for the students to follow.

M Mathews, Head of MFL and Peer Reviewer

What do teachers say about this resource? (6879)

A great resource to practice listening skills and support students to be more independent and grow an interest in current affairs/French culture. It is differentiated and has different levels available. Also a great range of skills and activities practised! It matches the specification and exam requirements and offers a range of activities to go with podcasts for all year 1 A Level topics.The value for money is incredible, it saves hours of planning/putting together. Great to use in class for independent tasks.

T Ruiner, HoD and Customer

The variety of comprehension exercises, including looking for synonyms and antonyms is excellent. I liked the room to correct false answers in the vrai/faux exercises. It is certainly a valuable resource, and I feel that listening resources linked to textbooks are often of limited value, so it would help to redress this issue.

L Stock, MFL Teacher & Peer Reviewer

Very challenging but great for helping students transition from GCSE to AS/A level. The topics are relevant, interesting and help to engage learners.

A Brown, HoD and Customer

Great resource. Practical, easy to use, various topical subjects... It challenges students to think outside the box

A Guichard, Tutor and Customer

What do teachers say about this resource? (6880)

Great for improving listening skills and learning vocab at the same time... It really does help my students to improve their listening skills.

A Guichard, Teacher and Peer Reviewer