Programme Description
This course is a fantastic opportunity for learners to build upon their previous knowledge of Spanish and to grow their love of the language and culture in Spain. Throughout the course, we explore the linguistic knowledge and cultural understanding of the Spanish speaking world and the place of Spanish in an ever-growing Spanish speaking presence on the work stage. Spanish classes are capped so there is the time, space and potential to practice and improve the practical skills in Spanish but there is also a strong emphasis placed on building learners’ confidence in the classroom. A Level Spanish includes the opportunity to study literature and film showing a different perspective of Spain and Spanish-speaking cultures and influences. Studying a language at A Level not only enhances their ability in Spanish but greatly improves a wide variety of skills such as; communication, organisation, problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, commitment, independent research skills, and working with others.
In addition, A level candidates will be required to: use the language to present viewpoints, develop arguments, analyse and evaluate, in speech and writing; understand and apply the grammatical system and a range of structures; study aspects of the contemporary society, cultural background and heritage of one or more of the countries or communities whose language is being studied; transfer meaning from English/Welsh into the foreign language.
Programme Features
- Excellent results
- Small groups allow individual attention
- A wide range of contemporary cultural and social topics are studied
Progression & Employment
- This specification is designed to encourage students to derive enjoyment and benefit from language learning; acquire knowledge, skills and understanding for practical use, further study and/or employment; communicate with speakers of the language; take their place in a multilingual global society
- This specification is also designed to provide a coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study for students who do not progress to further study in the subject
- In addition, the A level specification is designed to provide a sufficient basis for the further study of languages at degree level or equivalent.
Programme Content
- A wide range of contemporary cultural and social topics are studied
- Candidates have independent control of listening material and exam and use of language laboratory and self study packs
- Excellent resources available in Learning Resource Centre and library, including language magazines, tapes, videos and language computer programmes
- Grammar is dealt with in a systematic and supportive way
Programme Assessment
AS - 40% of the final A Level Award
Unit 1 oral exam - 12% ;
Unit 2 listening, reading, translation and written exam - 28%
A2 - 60% of final A Level Award
Unit 3 oral exam - 18%:
Unit 4 listening, reading, translation and written exam - 30%;
Unit 5 written exam – 12%
Programme Entry Requirements
Normally students 16 - 19 years of age will require a minimum of 6 GCSEs at grades A* - C.
B grade at GCSE or come from a bilingual Spanish speaking background (to be assessed by the department).
An A or B Grade in Spanish would be ideal. Entry for mature students without formal qualifications is at the discretion of the Curriculum Area.
Additional Costs
All learners are required to pay an administration fee of £45.00 prior to enrolment.
You will need to provide your own stationery and may also incur costs if the department arranges educational visits.