Spanish is spoken by almost 500 million people worldwide! Studying Spanish at A level will equip you with the skills you need for effective written and spoken communication and give you an insight into the culture of this and other Spanish- speaking countries.
Spanish combines well with a wide variety of other subjects at degree level, including Business, Law, Politics, Science, History and Tourism.
Topics for study are in the following broad categories
- Social issues and trends
- Political and artistic culture
- Grammar
In addition to the core content you will study one literary text and one film.
What’s assessed
Aspects of Hispanic society
Artistic culture in the Hispanic world Multiculturalism in Hispanic society Aspects of political life in Hispanic society Grammar
Paper 1: Comprehension How it’s assessed
Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes to include comprehension questions and translation both into Spanish and from Spanish to English
100 marks
50% of A-level
Paper 2 : Writing What’s assessed
One text and one film or two texts from the list set in the specification
Grammar
How it’s assessed Written exam: 2 hours 80 marks in total
20% of A-level
Paper 3: Speaking What’s assessed
Individual research project.
You can choose an aspect of the course which particularly interests you and research this in preparation for your speaking exam. There is a great deal of possibility for cross curricular themes; for example, an A-level art student may choose to study an Hispanic artist or an historian, the Spanish Civil war.
Oral exam: 21–23 minutes (including 5 minutes preparation time)
60 marks in total 30% of A-level
Questions
Discussion of a sub-theme with the discussion based on a stimulus card (5–6 minutes).
Presentation (2 minutes) and discussion (9–10 minutes) of individual research project (35 marks).
Extending Your Experience
The course clearly lends itself to travel and communication within Spanish speaking countries. In the workplace it could also give you the edge over other candidates who do not speak another language. You will be involved in the development of European links and may have the opportunity to undertake work experience abroad or visit a Spanish speaking country as part of your studies. You will also practise your speaking on a weekly basis to improve fluency and confidence.
