Spanish
One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.
Are you passionate about learning a language? Do you love communicating? Do you want to widen your knowledge of world issues and different cultures? If so, A Level Spanish is the course for you!
Through studying Spanish, you will not only develop your language skills but you study key themes and issues from the Hispanic world such as racism, equality, immigration and human rights. The course also offers the opportunity to study a film and a book, so strong English skills are required to make a success of the course.
There are opportunities to practise your language in Spain and experience typical Spanish life with an optional exchange visit.
Future Opportunities
A Foreign Language is seen as one of the most academically challenging A Level courses, and as such, sets students apart from the rest when applying for University. Spanish can be studied at university as a single honours course or combines well with many other subjects, including History, Law and Politics
Languages clearly can take you into a range of jobs, where your languages skills will directly be used including teaching, translation, international business, journalism or law. However, the skills acquired through studying a language and how well languages link with a whole range of other subjects mean that language students can enjoy successful careers in almost any professional setting.
What are the entry requirements?
Four or more GCSEs Grade 9-4 or equivalent, plus a minimum of Grade 4 in GCSE English Language. Minimum Grade 6 at GCSE in Spanish.
It is vital that you have a keen interest in current European and political affairs and a desire to understand and research the position of Spain in the world today, as many of the topics involve discussion of current affairs and the recent history of Spain.
What will I study?
The course builds on the foundation laid at GCSE to become a confident independent speaker of Spanish and develops skills required to write extended pieces on topics, including:
- Media
- Popular culture
- Health and well-being
- Family and relationships
Receptive skills – Listening and Reading, will be greatly developed through work in lessons and at home. An understanding of grammatical concepts and structures will be developed through a critical consideration of current issues relating to Spain. Students will learn how to apply newly acquired vocabulary and linguistic structures in a range of contexts to enhance written and spoken work as well as analyse, explain and evaluate current issues relating to the country.
How will I be assessed?
Paper 1: Listening, reading and writing, 50% of A Level
Paper 2: Writing, 2 hours – two essays, 20% of A Level
Paper 3: Speaking - your Individual Research Topic and general conversation, 30% of A Level.
FAQ
What is the average class size?
Up to 10 students.
Are the teachers specialists in the subject area?
Yes, they all have degrees and have lived in Spain.
How successful have previous students been in this subject?
We have had A* and A grades and students have gone on to top-ranked universities to study Spanish.
What other subjects compliment this course?
Spanish can be combined with pretty much anything but subjects that go particularly well are English Lit and Lang, History, Maths, Psychology, Sociology, Politics.
Will studying this subject allow me to go to university?
Yes, this is a facilitating subject and is highly regarded by universities.
What careers can the subject lead to?
Journalism; Translating and Interpreting; Global business; Travel and Tourism; European Parliament; Teaching in the UK; Teaching abroad (English as a Foreign Language); Marketing; Diplomatic Service; International Aid Worker; International Charity Work.