Spanish - A Level

"I have great memories of our trip to Spain and loved practising my Spanish with native speakers.”

Entry Requirements

Two GCSEs at grade 4 plus a grade 5 in English Language and a grade 5 in Spanish

Subject Intent

Our Modern Foreign Language courses aim to transform our students from citizens of Scarborough to citizens of the world. We will liberate them from insularity and expose them to other cultures, broadening their horizons and equipping them with the language skills to enable them to study or work overseas. Our MFL courses will give students the opportunity to:

• develop their writing, reading, speaking and listening skills in the target language
• learn about the political, historical and social background of the country whose language they are studying
• experience another culture, its art, literature, music and film
• develop a wide vocabulary in the target language and with it an understanding of etymology and how connections can be made with our own language
• endeavour to achieve precision and accuracy in everything they do
• work collaboratively and independently on projects
• develop the ability to forensically analyse language and meaning
• develop resilience as they achieve mastery in something that is challenging and requires real expertise

Course Introduction

A Level Spanish provides you with an exciting insight into Spanish culture and history and will increase and expand your knowledge and understanding of the language.

The course explores Hispanic society including modern and traditional values, cyberspace and equal rights. You will examine the artistic culture in the Hispanic world, modern day idols, Spanish regional identity and the cultural landscape.

In your second year you will continue to develop your skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing through the wider social and cultural topics of: Immigration, Racism, Cultures Living Together, Young People Today, Monarchy and Dictatorships, and Popular Movements.

In order to fully embrace the language and lifestyle you will visit Spain as part of the course. Learning a second language develops your communication and gives you transferable skills that will leave you well equipped for a career beyond S6F.

Course Modules

First Year

The course in the Lower Sixth covers the themes of: Traditional and Modern Values; Cyberspace; Sex Equality; The Influence of Idols (singers, musicians, TV and film stars etc.); Regional Identity in Spain; Cultural Heritage in the context of Spain and other countries where Spanish is spoken. This course builds on those topics covered at GCSE level and will improve your reading and listening with a greater understanding of grammar. Also, you will be able to write and speak Spanish with much more confidence.

Second Year

The Upper Sixth continues to develop your skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing through the wider social and cultural topics of: Immigration; Racism; Cultures Living Together; Young People Today; Monarchy and Dictatorships; Popular Movements.

General information

In this course, you will learn by using the Internet, our Languages ICT suite, through group and individual listening activities, role play, memorising, tasks to develop your reading skills and, especially, through conversation in a small group with a native Spanish speaker. You will read and listen to a variety of texts, including stories, magazines, newspaper articles, podcasts and YouTube and have opportunities to take part in a Spanish cultural trip to Malaga. Creative work may include acting, writing letters or stories and making recordings. Our most successful students enjoy listening to and reading Spanish in their own time.

Please note that the Syllabus and Examination Board are the same for Spanish and French and therefore topics do overlap. We follow the AQA specification and there is no coursework.

Assessment

There are 3 papers at the end of the two year course including a speaking and listening assessment.

Course Fact

Spanish is the world’s second most spoken language

Example Career Opportunities

Diplomatic Service Officer | Translator | Hotel Manager | International Development Worker | Teacher
Proof Reader | Bilingual Secretary | Tour Manager | Events Manager.