Spanish

Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Uruguay, Peru and obviously Spain! These are some of the 21 Spanish-speaking countries spanning beyond Europe and across Central and South America, as well as several Caribbean countries.

Just in the United States, 50 million people speak Spanish as their native or second language. Taking into account that almost 30% of English words come from Latin originally, you will immediately recognise and understand many Spanish words that share the same roots.

Our A Level Spanish course offers the opportunity to develop linguistic knowledge and understanding whilst exploring some of the most fascinating and vibrant cultures in the world, supported by a dedicated team of native teachers with examining experience at A Level.

The course aims to open opportunities in higher education, business, and travel through arming you with a deep understanding of Spanish language and the tools to develop your linguistic skills as well as stimulating an understanding and interest in Hispanic culture, history, literature, and film. The nature of the A Level course means you will be given opportunities to make links across the curriculum and will be fully supported with this by the A Level scheme of work.

Why study A Level Spanish?

Studying for A Level in Spanish can be extremely beneficial whilst at school and in the future:

• it develops and enhances transferable skills which can be used across the curriculum and in higher education, including analytical skills and communication skills
• it widens cultural and social awareness which can be invaluable in higher education, and later, in the workplace
• Spanish is spoken by at least 437 million people worldwide, in 44 countries, making it the second most spoken language in the world, and therefore a hugely skill in the business world
• its inspiring and engaging themes provide clear links to some of the most fundamental and interesting aspects of the culture of the target language countries and communities
• the assessments place emphasis on spontaneity and grammar, as well as providing plenty of opportunities for you to apply their knowledge independently and creatively

Having already gained a good GCSE grade, you are versed in the basics of Spanish grammar. During the A Level this knowledge will be stretched and moulded into a thorough understanding of the way the language works and the ability to employ familiar and unfamiliar vocabulary to express yourselves fluently and confidently. During the course you will study Hispanic film and literature which will help to widen your understanding of Hispanic culture and language.  We offer weekly conversation practice with Spanish native assistants and opportunities to participate in annual exchange programmes with Spanish schools.

Where can it lead?

Language skills are in massive demand across all sectors and the ability to speak Spanish with fluency will be a valuable asset when applying for jobs. Erasmus exchanges are popular options for university students who want to expand their horizons and complete a year abroad in a Spanish- speaking country of their choice.

Students can progress to a wide range of careers in areas such as Journalism and Media, Education, Science, Medicine, the Civil Service, International Law, Politics, Sales, Marketing, Retail, Business, Charities and more. With an ever-competitive job market, assets like speaking a foreign language are more important than ever.

Course Outline

Examination Board: Edexcel 9SPO

Entry Requirements

At least a grade 6 at GCSE. Examination 100%

Topics:

i. Changes in the Spanish society (family, education, the world of work)

ii. Political and artistic in Spanish speaking countries (music, media, festivals and traditions)

iii. Immigration and Spanish multicultural society (immigration and integration)

iv. Dictatorship of Franco and the transition to democracy

Paper 1:

• Listening, reading and translation
• Written examination: 2 hours
• 40% of the qualification. 80 marks.

Paper 2:

• Written response to works and translation
• Written examination: 2 hours and 40 minutes.
• 30% of the qualification 120 marks.

Paper 3:

• Speaking
• Internally conducted and externally assessed. Total assessment time: between 21 and 23 minutes, which includes a single period of five minutes’ formal preparation time.
• 30% of the qualification 72 marks.