Spanish

Students will need to demonstrate an ability to study at least 3 A-level subjects by achieving an average of 38 points over 8 GCSEs with a Grade 4 at least in English and Mathematics. Students should gain a Grade 6 or above in subjects they wish to study at A Level. Points are worked out on the bases that a Grade 9 = 9 points, Grade 8 = 8 points etc.

Please check for subject specific requirements.

Please note, our preferred method of application is via https://wymondhamhigh.applicaa.com/year12

The study of Spanish provides intellectual stimulation and fulfilment, together with a platform for further study. Spanish can be studied with a wide range of other subjects at university from Art to History. Furthermore, the broad reach of the Spanish language provides a huge range of options for higher education and the British Council has recently rated Spanish as the most important language for Britons to learn in their ‘Languages of the Future’ report. The A-level Spanish course allows you to engage with current social issues in Hispanic society, as well as artistic culture, film and literature, and aspects of political life in the Hispanic world. The programme of study will provide opportunities for independent research and access to a wide range of authentic sources across a variety of media. By the end of the two-year course, you will be able to speak quite fluently in a foreign language, an invaluable skill to employers.

CONTENT

ASPECTS OF HISPANIC SOCIETY:
• Modern and traditional values
• Cyberspace
• Equal rights

MULTICULTURALISM IN HISPANIC SOCIETY
• Immigration
• Racism
• Integration

ARTISTIC CULTURE
• Modern day idols
• Spanish regional identity
• Cultural heritage or cultural landscape

ASPECTS OF POLITICAL LIFE IN THE HISPANIC WORLD
• Today’s youth, tomorrow’s citizens
• Spanish regional identity
• Cultural heritage or cultural landscape

FILM & LITERATURE
• Students must study one text and one film from a specified list

INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH PROJECT
• Identify a subject or key question which relates to a country
where the language studied is spoken. These findings will be
discussed during the speaking assessment.

Paper 1: Listening, Reading and Translation, 2 hours 30 minutes,
40% of A-level.
Paper 2: Writing, 2 hours, 30% of A-level.
Paper 3: Speaking, 21-23 minutes, 30% of A-level.

A minimum of a B in Spanish (higher tier listening and reading paper).

Learning a language gives you the opportunity to travel and engage with new cultures.
• If you have mastered another language it says a lot about you; you are determined, culturally aware, hard-working, and articulate with the confidence to adapt to a new environment.

• A recent survey, conducted by the CBI in conjunction with Pearson Education, found that 62% of employers felt school leavers lacked sufficient language skills. This makes A-level linguists valuable commodities in a competitive employment market.

• 75% of the world population speak no English at all.

• 80% of English exporters are unable to conduct business in a foreign language and lose business as a result.

• There are health benefits to languages! A recent study, published in ‘Neurology’ found that speaking a second language may delay the onset of three different types of dementia.