Spanish

Level 3 Pathway - In order to enrol onto our Level 3 courses, students must have achieved a minimum of 5 grade 4s at GCSE Level across 4 different subject areas; this should ideally include a Grade 4 for English Language and Mathematics.

It is important that students also pay attention to any individual subject entry requirements.

It may be that a small number of students are recommended to sit AS qualifications at the end of Year 12 in order to inform decisions about progression into Year 13, however these AS examinations are standalone and do not contribute to the overall A Level qualification.

Why?

This course develops linguists who speak spontaneously, write confidently and who can understand a wide variety of spoken and written materials. Students also develop a deeper understanding of societal and cultural issues through the study of topics as wide-ranging as, for example, Spanish regional identity, equal rights and dictatorships. The course also includes the study of the film Volver and the novel La sombra del viento. A level Spanish will provide you with a firm foundation for degree-level study or equivalent and, taken on its own or combined with another subject, could enable you to spend part of your degree in a Spanish-speaking country.

Course structure

Students sit three exams covering listening and reading comprehension, translation into English and Spanish, an essay each on the set film and text, and the speaking exam.

In Year 12 you will study:

Hispanic society: modern and traditional values, cyberspace and equal rights.

Artistic culture: modern-day idols, Spanish regional identity and cultural heritage.

Film: Volver (dir. Pedro Almodóvar), a moving and funny award-winning film centring on the lives of a family of eccentric women and dealing with themes of life, death, loneliness and solidarity against a backdrop of urban and rural Spain.

In Year 13 you will study:

Hispanic society: Immigration, racism and integration.

Political life: Citizens of tomorrow, monarchies and dictatorships, popular movements.

Text: La sombra del viento, by Carlos Ruiz Zafón, a Spanish best-selling novel filled with intrigue, heroism, murder and star-crossed lovers.

Independent research project: Into an aspect of Spanish society or culture. The project is assessed in the speaking exam only.

A level Spanish students will use authentic spoken and written sources from a variety of contexts and will have opportunities for pair and group work in order to develop the ability to analyse and discuss the topics and build arguements.

Extended learning

Tasks will range from listening and reading comprehension to grammar and translation exercises and essay writing, in addition to focused study of the film or set text and research for their individual research project in Year 13. Students are supported with a list of useful online resources and websites to direct their independent work.

Ideally grade 6 GCSE Spanish