SPANISH

LEVEL 3: A LEVEL
EXAMINING BOARD: AQA

 

This course is for anyone interested in learning about the language, Hispanic society, culture, history and current affairs of the Spanish-speaking world.

You study a range of topics through the practice of the four skills; listening, reading, speaking and writing.

You learn about the world around you whilst you develop your research and analytical skills.

Your time will be split between the classroom and the Language Lab and you will benefit from an individual 20 minutes oral session with a native speaker every week.

Lessons are conducted mostly in Spanish and you will develop your communication skills through written and verbal expression of your ideas in class, small groups and one-to-one situations.

Our residential trip to Salamanca is well-established and designed to enhance your experience of learning a foreign language.

We have many resources to support your learning, such as a wide library of DVDs and magazines which you can borrow. 

AS Level Spanish is available as an additional qualification to a Study Programme.
 

Year 1

You will study:

  • one theme from social issues and trends – los valores tradicionales y modernos, el ciberespacio, la igualdad de los sexos
  • one theme from political and/or intellectual and/or artistic culture – la influencia de los ídolos, la identidad regional en España, el patrimonio cultural
  • a film
  • grammar.

Year 2

You will study:

  • a further theme from social issues and trends – la inmigración, el racismo, la convivencia
  • a further theme from political and/or intellectual and/or artistic culture – jóvenes de hoy, ciudadanos del mañana, monarquías y dictaduras, los movimientos populares
  • a book
  • grammar
  • an individual research project.

Both years include an element of translation.

As a minimum, you will need (or equivalent to):

  • GCSE Mathematics grade 4
  • GCSE English Language grade 4
  • GCSE Spanish grade 5*
  • plus two more GCSEs at grade 4

*If you have not studied GCSE Spanish, you will need to be a competent Spanish speaker and must have five GCSEs (including Maths and English) at grade 4.

There are three exams:

  • Paper 1 – Listening, Reading and Writing (two hours and 30 minutes in duration, worth 50% of your grade)
  • Paper 2 – Writing (two hours in duration, worth 20% of your grade)
  • Oral exam (21-26 minutes in duration including five minutes of preparation time, worth 30% of your grade).

Many students go on to study Language at university, often combined with another course e.g. Law, Business Studies, Maths, Politics or English.

With a language A Level, you have the choice to study any other language degree and your course will usually involve time abroad. 

Popular career fields include diplomacy, national security, medicine and engineering. 

Whatever you decide to do, your language skills will be an invaluable asset to you.

You will have critical thinking and problem-solving skills alongside the ability to build relationships across borders, a global outlook and intercultural confidence. 

Businesses and organisations not only want to recruit multi-linguists they want people who have an understanding of foreign environments and practices, and who are first-class communicators.

Is Spanish spoken at all times in the classroom?

We speak in Spanish at all times during lessons, except when studying grammar.

We will make sure all of you understand what is said and will use methods to ensure none of you get lost, so don’t worry!

For most students, you will be very used to hearing and understanding Spanish in the classroom after just a few weeks!

Will there be opportunities to visit other countries?

We aim to run trips to Spain every year and to offer opportunities to stay with families so you can experience the language and culture.