This A-Level is offered at A2 Level only. The course builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills gained at GCSE. You will have the opportunity to study and focus on language, culture and society and develop transferable skills, including communication, critical thinking and creativity, which are valuable to the individual and society. A range of interesting topics will be studied under the guidance of experienced staff, who will use a variety of modern resources. Students have access to their own resources and are supported in developing independence.
Spanish can be useful in many areas of working life including law, engineering, medicine, business, finance and banking, travel and tourism, social and civil services, teaching and translating. A qualification in Spanish shows that you have the ability to organise material, to think analytically, to argue and explain your opinions, and to use your imagination and creativity – all qualities that universities and employers look for in a candidate. Studying Spanish gives you an insight into a different culture and way of thinking. It is a well-respected qualification that can help secure a place at university where your course may offer the opportunity to study or work abroad.
Students may attend a small group conversation lesson each week with a member of the department as well as native student teachers. Students are also encouraged to complete an independent, wider reading log which includes accessing films, TV, newspapers and books. Extra curricular opportunities on offer within the Spanish department include city breaks to Madrid or Granada as well as involvement in the Paraguay school exchange programme with Aula Viva. Previous year groups have benefited from visiting Paraguay and staying with a family as well as welcoming students here at Wales.
5 GCSEs 9 – 5. Spanish Grade 6, will interview a Grade 5 (must have sat the higher paper).
You will study aspects of Spanish speaking society: current trends and issues, such as the changing nature of family; the cyber society and voluntary work; positive features of a diverse society; life for the marginalised and how criminals are treated. You will also develop an understanding of artistic culture, e.g. contemporary music, and cinema as the 7th art form. You will develop the skills of comprehension, summarising and translating into English.
You will continue to study Aspects of Spanish Society, current trends, issues, and and Artistic Culture. You will also study one book and one film from the Spanish speaking world, on which you will write an essay.
Assessment
• Paper 1: 50% listening, reading and translation into English
• Paper 2: 20% writing and translation into Spanish
• Paper 3: 30% speaking
The Examination Board for this course is AQA.
There will be opportunities to attend a variety of stimulating and rewarding study sessions and webinars provided by a variety of educational providers.