Qualification: A-level

Exam Board: AQA

Entry Requirements: Grade 6 or above in GCSE Spanish.

Watch our video about spanish a-level

Learn Spanish in a specialist language setting

We aim to develop skills, confidence and creativity in the four key areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Teachers are specialised, experienced and enthusiastic, using a wide range of activities and strategies to help students enjoy learning foreign languages while developing their linguistic ability. Authentic resources and the use of the foreign language in and outside the classroom are considered a vital part of languages teaching at Silverdale and the department offers a range of extracurricular activities and trips abroad in order to enhance the language learning experience at our school.

The course

The course covers a wide range of topics, e.g. social issues and trends, multiculturalism in Spanish-speaking society, political and artistic culture, as well as aspects of political life in the Spanish-speaking world.

In the first year of A-level students will study a film, and in the second year they will study a book.

Course topics:

• Modern day idols (La influencia de los ídolos)
• Spanish regional identity (La identidad regional en España)
• Cultural heritage (El patrimonio cultural)
• Y13: Immigration (La inmigración)
• Racism (El racismo)
• Integration (La convivencia)
• Today's youth, tomorrow's citizens (Jóvenes de hoy, ciudadanos del mañana)
• Monarchies and dictatorships (Monarquías y dictaduras)
• Popular movements (Movimientos populares)

Beyond the classroom

Past activities have included:

• Year 12 study visit to Madrid, Spain.
• Visits to local universities.
• Showroom Cinema events.

Examinations

• Paper 1 - Listening, Reading & Writing : 2 hours 30 minutes 100 marks: 50% of A-level
• Paper 2 - Writing : 2 hours 80 marks in total: 20% of A-level
• Paper 3 - Speaking: Oral exam: 21–23 minutes (including 5 minutes preparation time) 60 marks in total: 30% of A-level

Progression

The government has recognised that there is a modern languages skills gap. Choosing to study a language at degree level is a way of boosting your employability.

Besides the traditional paths of interpreting, translating and teaching, students with language skills are in demand. These skills can be used in almost any career, particularly in businesses that trade internationally. There are also opportunities to work for the diplomatic service.

There are many degree courses in languages, but you could also choose to combine Spanish with a new language or a subject from a different area such as politics, music, engineering or law.