Spanish
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE SPANISH?
Studying languages at A Level really can impact positively on your future career prospects. It is a multicultural world and companies have long been aware of the advantages of recruiting people with competence in a foreign language. According to recent estimates almost 430 million people speak Spanish and this number is increasing rapidly. With so many Spanish-speaking countries, there are countless opportunities for your Spanish skills to pay dividends. Speaking the language can open up a whole new world!
WHAT DOES THE COURSE INVOLVE?
You will develop and reinforce the language skills already acquired at GCSE: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Topics include Leisure, Education and Healthy Living within the context of the Spanish speaking world. It also focuses on social and political issues relevant to today’s society. In addition, the ‘Cultural Studies’ element of the course introduces you to the world of Hispanic film and literature, and includes the study of Hispanic history and politics, such as Latin-America dictatorships. By the end of the course, you will be able to converse at a high level and possess a greater awareness of the Spanish speaking world.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
You will be assessed in all four skills at A Level. Formal examinations test your competence in reading, writing and listening whilst a visiting examiner assesses your oral ability.
Listening, reading and writing exam: 2 hours 30 minutes; 100 marks; 50% of A Level
Writing exam: 2 hours; 80 marks; 20% of A Level
Oral exam: 21-23 minutes; 60 marks; 30% of A Level.
HOW WILL I LEARN?
Spanish lessons will take place in a stimulating and exciting environment where you will be challenged to improve your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills to an impressive level. In addition, small-group classes with a dedicated Spanish conversation tutor take place on a weekly basis to ensure that you become a confident communicator while extra support is available within the department. Independent learning is vital if you are to succeed at A Level and the department provides a wealth of extra materials and ICT support to help you fulfil your potential.
WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP?
As well as continuing the practice of language skills you have been taught at GCSE, particular emphasis will be placed on speaking Spanish and the ability to communicate with accuracy and confidence on a variety of issues. Communication skills will help you get more from life, whatever career you choose, as linguistic competence and intercultural understanding are attributes which are highly sought after by employers. Continued study of Spanish grammar will allow you to acquire more sophisticated translation and essay writing skills.
WHAT COULD A QUALIFICATION IN SPANISH LEAD TO?
Students will find that career prospects are enhanced by the possession of one or more foreign languages. Many degree courses can also be studied jointly with Spanish. But more than that, Spanish, as with any other language, provides a skill that students will take with them beyond A Levels and university. It will provide them with an array of new opportunities, and will develop their ability to engage with and understand other cultures.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Grade 6 in GCSE Spanish.