Spanish – Wickersley Sixth Form

SPANISH

QUALIFICATION

A Level

EXAM BOARD

AQA

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

A minimum of a 6 in the relevant language is required.

COURSE LEADER

Miss C Haywood

SUBJECT TEACHERS

Miss J Marriott

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 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 DOES THIS QUALIFICATION COVER?

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

WHAT WILL I STUDY?

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 (Como agua para chocolate)

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 translation (**Paper code: 9SP0/01)

Written examination: 2 hours
40% of the qualification
80 marks
This paper draws on vocabulary and structures across all four themes.
Assessment overview
Students are not permitted access to a dictionary during the examination.

Paper 2: Written response to works and translation (**Paper code: 9SP0/02)

Written examination: 2 hours and 40 minutes
30% of the qualification
120 marks

Paper 3: Speaking (**Paper code: 9SP0/03)

Internally conducted and externally assessed
Total assessment time: between 21 and 23 minutes, which includes a single period of 5 minutes’ formal preparation time
30% of the qualification
72 marks

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 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.

COURSE MATERIALS

A level Spanish textbook, by Hodder, which will be able to buy or loan from school. Collins – Spanish complete and unabridged dictionary Collins easy learning- Spanish verbs Collins easy learning – Spanish grammar

SUBJECTS