Spanish
Why study A-level Spanish?
The A-level Spanish course sets out to facilitate a deeper understanding of the language and culture of the Hispanic world, encompassing Spain and Latin America. By studying Spanish at A-level, not only are you opting to develop the four key skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing in another language, but also the skills of communication, discussion, debate, presentation and summary writing. By Year 13, you will feel confident in communicating effectively, with a level of fluency that will enable you to feel immersed in the Spanish speaking world. If you are interested in broadening your horizons and rising to the exciting challenges of tackling the Spanish language head-on, A-level Spanish is for you.
- Qualification
- A-level
- Course length
- Two years
- Exam board
- AQA
- Assessment
- Written + speaking
Course introduction
Course Choices Video
- Course Title
Spanish
- Examination Board
AQA
- Linear Qualification?
Yes
Entry requirements
Grade 6 in GCSE Spanish and Grade 5 in English language or English literature
Course content
The AQA specification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills you will have acquired whilst studying GCSE Spanish. It includes a range of topics related to the Spanish speaking world, including social issues and trends, political and artistic culture and grammar. It provides a balanced, well-rounded study of Spanish, in which language and grammar are developed, revisited and reinforced throughout the course through the cultural elements. The subject content is relevant to the modern day Spanish speaking world and interesting to learn. There are many opportunities to develop practical communication skills which will benefit you throughout your future career.
AQA Spanish is a linear course with terminal examinations at the end of the A-level year.
What you will study
Social issues and trends
Year 12: Aspects of Hispanic society:
- Modern and traditional values
- Cyberspace
- Equal rights
Year 13: Multiculturalism in Hispanic society:
- Immigration
- Integration
- Racism
Political and Artistic Culture
Year 12: Artistic culture in the Hispanic world:
- Modern day idols
- Spanish regional identity
- Cultural heritage
Year 13: Aspects of political life in the Hispanic world:
- Today’s youth, tomorrow’s citizens
- Monarchies and dictatorships
- Popular movements
Works
Students will study one text and one film from a prescribed list. Next year’s film and text are likely to be:
- La Casa de Bernarda Alba - Federico García Lorca
- Pan's Labyrinth - Guillermo del Toro
Individual Research Project
Pupils choose a topic relating to the Spanish speaking world that interests them and learn about it in depth for their speaking exam.
Grammar
Grammatical structures and rules are studied as an integral part of all of the above throughout the course.
Assessment
A-level – 2 Year Course
Paper 1 (50% of A-level)
2 hour 30 minutes paper, 100 marks
Aspects of Hispanic society
Artistic culture in the Hispanic world Multiculturalism in Hispanic society
Aspects of political life in Hispanic society Grammar
Listening and responding to texts in Spanish (30 marks)
Reading and responding to texts in Spanish (50 marks)
Translation into English - 100 words (10 marks)
Translation into Spanish - 100 words (10 marks)
Paper 2 (20% of A-level)
2 hour paper, 80 marks
Works
Grammar
Question on the set film
Question on the set book
Paper 3 (30% of A-level)
21-23 minutes, 60 marks
Discussion of 2 sub-themes based on a stimulus card (25 marks)
Presentation and discussion of individual research project (35 marks)
Future pathways
Employers and universities place great value on A-level language qualifications. Many pupils go on to study Spanish at university, often alongside another language (which they may learn ab initio ) or alongside another subject (Economics, Business, History, Politics, Sciences, Journalism, Geography to name a few). Studying a Language as part of a Dual Honours programme or as an elective module offers great variety and the chance to study or work abroad for a year. For example, many students will find themselves working for a law firm, a laboratory, a newspaper, a school or a multinational company during this year. As part of an apprenticeship or post-university work, applicants with a qualification in a language are in demand for a huge number of businesses, with Spanish being the second most desired language (CBI/Pearson Education and Skills Survey 2019). This is because employees with an A-level in a language are known to have developed a range of skills that are transferable to many work places.
Contact the subject team
Ask questions about the course and discuss your choices with us.
Mrs F Bargery: fbargery@wilmslowhigh.com
Mrs L Millington: lmillington@wilmslowhigh.com