Spanish A Level

If you enjoy meeting and talking to people from other countries, finding out about their cultures and developing your knowledge of how language works, then studying A level Spanish is an excellent choice for you!

You will learn about different aspects of Spanish culture, literature and/or film, and be able to use more complex grammar and more vocabulary. This enables you to really develop an understanding of the language, the countries where it is spoken and the people who speak it.

Learning languages encourages you to:

• Meet people from different countries and find out more about them.

• Learn many skills which are useful in a wide range of careers, such as the ability to communicate clearly, be confident about speaking in public, use problem-solving strategies and write coherently.

• Develop critical thinking, creativity and independence.

• Add an international dimension to your choice of A level subjects, which is something many employers and higher education providers want.

• Have greater opportunities to work and/or study abroad, or work for companies in the UK with international links.

• Discuss interests, ideas and opinions with other people who speak the language.

• Learn more about countries where the language is spoken, and the people who speak it.

• Read books and watch films in their original language.

• Spend time abroad (e.g. at university or on a work placement).

A level Spanish helps you explore a wide range of topics, which will add to your understanding of the language and country. Topics are:

• Evolving society in Spain.

• Political and artistic culture in Spanish-speaking countries.

• Immigration and multiculturalism in Spain.

• Franco’s dictatorship and the transition to democracy.

• The books (or book and film) you study may link to the topics, giving you further insight into Spanish culture. You will also learn new grammar and vocabulary and you will be able to translate into and out of Spanish. You will develop your critical thinking, creativity, independence and skills of analysis. You will also develop skills to be able to learn other languages.

An examination takes place at the end of a 2-years course.

You will be given a certificate with a grade between E and A*, with A* being the highest.

Paper 1: Listening, reading and translation. 40% 2 hour exam.

• Listening - you will answer multiple-choice and comprehension questions in Spanish on a variety of recordings.
• Reading - you will also answer multiple-choice and comprehension questions in Spanish, based on a variety of written passages.
• Translation - from Spanish into English.

Paper 2: Written response to works, grammar and translation. 30%. 2 hours 40 minutes.

• You will write about two books, or one book and one film, that you have studied throughout the year.
• Translation from English into Spanish.

Paper 3: Speaking. 30%. 21-23 minutes.

• 5 minutes preparation of a discussion based on a stimulus card.
• Discussion of the topic of the card with your examiner, who is usually your teacher.
• Presentation on an independent research project you will have conducted; on a topic you will have chosen.

5 grade 4s and above including a GCSE in Spanish.

Your next steps

People with language skills and knowledge usually have an advantage over people without them. They stand out as talented and successful people, with broad and exciting horizons.

Success at A level Spanish means you will:

• • Add an extra international dimension to your personal skills profile which will impress people who read your CV.
• Be in a stronger position to get a job in companies with international links.
• Be able to work or study in a Spanish-speaking country in later life.
• Progress to study a degree in Spanish, or Spanish and another subject, to further your knowledge of the language and culture.
• Find it easier to learn other languages later.
• Add a useful skill if the primary focus of your A level subjects is not languages: languages support careers in a range of areas including management, business, science and tourism.