SPanish

A Level Spanish (AQA)

Entry Criteria
The study of Spanish at GCSE is essential unless you have a parent who is a native speaker. Good literacy skills and some knowledge of current affairs are also required. You must achieve at least a Level 6 in Spanish at GCSE to be admitted to this course.

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Course Description

The course focuses on all four skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking and follows the AQA specification. It is taught by topic; drawing on current affairs, cultural, social, moral and political issues.

Over the two year course students will study a broad and diverse range of topic areas covering subjects from the impact of technology on modern day society to the role of women in the workplace, and the influence of music, TV and film stars on our lives. There is also a focus on Spanish regional identity, particularly in terms of the role of the different regional languages and festivals. Students will also explore such controversial topics as immigration and racism, along with monarchies and dictatorships through the Hispanic world.

Throughout their studies, students will learn the language in the context of Spanish-speaking countries and the issues and influences which have shaped them. As part of the course, students will study the film El laberinto del fauno by Guillermo del Toro as well as the book Crónica de una Muerte Anunciada by Gabriel García Márquez.

How will I be assessed?

There are three exams which are sat in the summer covering content from all aspects of the course. Paper 1 (50%) is ‘Listening, Reading and Translation’, Paper 2 (20%) is ‘Writing’, and Paper 3 (30%) is ‘Speaking’.

What could I do next?

Spanish is a subject in Higher Education which combines with many future career paths. Languages graduates have progressed to careers in journalism, ICT, teaching, law, the arts, the civil service, politics, banking and business.