Spanish A level

For entry into the Sixth Form to study 3 A' Levels, students are required to achieve 5 grades at 9-5 (or where applicable A*-C) including English Language and Mathematics at Grade 4 or above.

In exceptional cases, students that do not reach the entry criteria based on their attainment in English or mathematics will be admitted to the 6th form with the addition of GCSE retake classes in the appropriate subject to their timetable. This based on 6th form discretion.

While we would encourage students to study 3 A levels, in exceptional cases and following conversation at interview we may support a student to study 4. All students will have the option to study for Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside their A levels.

A grade 6 is recommended in any subject that a student wishes to continue at A Level. Students are welcome to discuss entry criteria for specific subjects and to ensure that their subject choices match their goals and aspirations.

Students wishing to study Mathematics require a grade 6 and in Further Maths require a Grade 7 in the subject at GCSE.

Spanish
AS & A level AQA – 2650 / German AS & A level AQA 2660 / Spanish AS & A level AQA 2695

The study of French / German / Spanish enables students to communicate confidently, clearly and effectively in both the spoken and written language. Additionally, it will enable you to widen your knowledge and understanding of the countries where your chosen language is spoken.

The examinations will be as follows:

Unit 1: AS Reading, writing and listening
You will answer a range of questions based on approximately 5 minutes of heard material and on a selection of written stimulus texts. You will also respond in writing to questions based on one of the AS topics.

Unit 2: AS Oral examination conducted by an external examiner
You will discuss a target-language stimulus card based on one of the AS topics and take part in a conversation covering three further AS topics. The speaking tests for all languages will be conducted by an external AQA examiner.

Unit 3: A2 Reading, writing, listening and translation
You will answer a range of questions based on approximately 6 minutes of heard material and on a selection of written texts. You will also respond in writing to a question based on one of the four A2 cultural topic areas. You MUST study TWO different cultural topics and will be informed of these either at the end of year 12 or the start of year 13.

Unit 4: A2 Oral examination conducted by an external examiner
You will present a point of view based on a target-language stimulus card from one of the A2 topic areas and will be expected to defend your argument. You will then take part in a conversation covering three further A2 topics. You will also be asked about the Cultural Topics you have studied. As per AS level, all speaking tests will be conducted by an external AQA examiner.

Please note that there is no longer a coursework element for A2 in any language.

To complete an A Level in this subject it is necessary to achieve a Grade 5 at GCSE, although we strongly advise that students should be looking at achieving at least a Grade 6 at GCSE to have a secure platform for entry on to the course.

Where does French/German/Spanish lead you?
A level qualifications in French, German and Spanish continue to be highly regarded in the world of work and can open many doors as far as future employment prospects are concerned. Many students who continue with a language at university also take a non-linguistic subject to increase their chances of securing a good job. There are career opportunities in journalism, law, banking and finance, teaching, translating and interpreting and leisure and tourism, to name but a few.