Spanish

Hola!, Bienvenido. Are you interested in learning about the language, culture, history and current affairs of the Spanish speaking world? If so, studying a language at Advanced level could be for you.

WHAT WILL I BE STUDYING ON THE COURSE?
The topics studied during the course cover a wide range of issues:
AS Spanish will include study of the world around us, youth culture and concerns, life style health and fitness.
A2 topics will include customs, tradition, beliefs and religions, national and international events, aspects of history and the arts.

You will continue to build on your listening, reading, writing and speaking as well as your knowledge of grammar.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING IN LESSONS?
  • Listening - interviews, conversations, radio broadcasts, tapes, videos, satellite TV, video clips on the Internet in our computer suites
  • Speaking - role-plays, dialogues, pronunciation practice, short presentations and regular conversation classes in small groups with a native speaker
  • Reading - articles, magazines, books, newspapers, Internet sources
  • Writing - short articles, letters, reports, projects, poems, descriptions
  • Grammar - games, revision and practice in class and using the Internet
WILL THERE BE OPPORTUNITIES TO VISIT OTHER COUNTRIES DURING THE COURSE?
YES! We have trips every year to Spain. There will be opportunities to stay with families in order to experience the language and culture of your chosen country.
For A2 Spanish we offer a visit to Cuba and for all A2 students there is the opportunity to complete some work experience abroad.

HOW WILL THE COURSE BE ASSESSED?
You will continue to develop your listening, reading, writing and speaking skills underpinned by your knowledge and application of grammar.
For AS in all languages there will be two units: a speaking test and a combined reading, writing and listening exam.

For A2 Spanish there are two units: a speaking test and an examination consisting of a translation, a research-based essay and a discursive or creative essay.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED TO TAKE THE COURSE?
You should have at least a grade B at GCSE in Spanish together with at least a grade C in GCSE English Language.
A LEVEL SPANISH FROM SCRATCH
Spanish is exceptional, in that students who are very able linguists may take this language up from scratch and achieve the full Advanced level in two years.
Most importantly, you need a real interest in the language/s you intend to study and also in the countries where the language is spoken.
If you are very good at languages (grade A or A* at GCSE in any language) you make take up Spanish without any previous knowledge, but this will require real enthusiasm and dedication on your part.  As there are linguistic similarities between languages you should also be opting to study another language at Advanced Level.  This will help you to build up your knowledge of Spanish very fast.  You will also need to attend an extra grammar support lesson every week.
WHAT OTHER SUBJECTS COULD I DO WITH MODERN LANGUAGES?
Virtually any. We have students taking science subjects, mathematicians, historians, those in the fields of english language or literature and business, to name but a few.

AND AFTER THE COURSE?
Many of our students go on to study languages as a major or minor part of their Higher Education course. There has been an explosion in recent years in the number of university courses where Modern Languages are combined with other subjects, such as business and management, marketing, accountancy, law, engineering, sciences, IT, arts and music. Study at this level usually involves time spent working or studying abroad.

In recent years, the ability to use languages is highly prized by employers. Modern Languages graduates are in demand with 96% of students finding employment.

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

View the Spanish page on the Edexcel Website.