WHY STUDY THIS COURSE?

Studying Spanish at A Level will enable you to deepen your knowledge of the language and get a greater insight into the culture of Spain and the Spanish-speaking world. Having Spanish is a fantastic asset in today’s competitive job market and shows self-discipline, motivation, and a desire to learn, qualities sought after by Universities and employers alike.

There are more than 300 million native speakers of Spanish throughout the world – more than any other language except Chinese.

Spanish is the official language of 21 countries and is one of the official languages of the United Nations and the European Union. Spain is currently Britain’s third most important trading partner. The 19 Spanish-speaking countries of Latin America also offer vast potential in terms of trade and investment also. Throughout the course, you will extend your knowledge of the language and the culture of Spanish speaking countries and gain the confidence to communicate in Spanish.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?

This qualification will cover five key skills to be a proficient linguist: Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing and Translation.

YEAR 1:

Aspects of Hispanic Society:

• Influence of cyberspace
• Modern and traditional values
• Equality of sexes

Artistic culture in the Hispanic World:

• Spanish regional identity
• Cultural heritage
• Modern day idols
• Film study (Pan’s Labyrinth)

YEAR 2:

Multiculturalism in Hispanic society:

• Immigration
• Racism
• Integration

Aspects of Political life in the Hispanic world:

• Today’s youth, tomorrow’s citizens
• Monarchies and dictatorships
• Popular movements
• Literature study (La Casa de Bernarda Alba)

Are there any visits or trips?

We offer a university trip in year 12 to give you the opportunity to study languages at a higher level. In year 13 we offer a study day at a university to study either the film or the text, depending on availability.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

You will sit three papers at the second year, but you will have plenty of practice tests and mocks:

Paper 1: Listening, reading and writing (7692/1)

2 hours and 30 minutes 

100 marks 

50% of A-Level

Paper 2: Writing (7692/2)

Written examination: 2 hours

80 mark

20% of the A Level 

Paper 3: Speaking  (7692/3T/3V)

This paper assesses an Individual Research Project and then a speaking card on one of four theme

21-23 minutes

60 marks 

30% of the A Level 

WHERE CAN IT LEAD?

There are many possibilities for able, qualified linguists in a number of fields. Here are some careers directly linked to languages: translator, interpreter, languages teacher, tourism and international charities.

There are also a number of fields where having a language will give an internal dimension to your work: journalism, law, politics, management, engineering, architecture, computing and finance to name a few. There are a number of degrees that combine languages with another subject (ie- law and Spanish).

Even if you decide not to pursue languages after A level, this will be an undeniable asset to your CV, and broaden your university choice and career prospects.