A Level Spanish
Learn a language and learn about the Spanish society, the culture, the history and the politics.
Exam Board
AQA
Why should I study Spanish?
Languages are all around us; they are used in so many situations, whether at work, on holiday or just casually in day-to-day life - we live in a multilingual global society.
Choosing an A-level language is a really smart move if you want a fascinating subject that offers you a range of career possibilities at the end and are a lot of fun along the way. A-level language courses are interesting and varied subjects to study and give you a broad range of knowledge and skills.
Learning a language is a never-ending process; languages are constantly changing, bringing in new words and getting rid of old ones.
The skills that you gain from studying a language at A-level are incredibly important tools to have in your belt and are transferrable to a wide range of professions. Key skills for languages include good communication, critical thinking and creativity.
What will I study?
The course focuses on how the Hispanic society has been shaped, socially and culturally, and how it continues to change. Students study aspects of the social context together with aspects of the artistic life of Spanish-speaking countries.
Content: AS Level Spanish
- Aspects of Hispanic society
- Modern and traditional values
- Cyberspace
- Equal rights
- Artistic culture in the Hispanic world
- Modern day idols
- Spanish regional identity
- Cultural heritage
- Study of a literary text or a film
- Politics and immigration
Content: A Level Spanish
- Multiculturalism in Hispanic society
- Immigration
- Racism
- Integration
- Aspects of political life in the Hispanic world
- Today’s youth, tomorrow’s citizens
- Monarchies and dictatorships
- Popular movements: demonstrations, Unions and Social contestations
- Individual research projects
Students will develop their linguistic skills to use the language spontaneously to initiate communication, ask and answer questions, express thoughts and feelings, present viewpoints, develop arguments, persuade, and analyse and evaluate in speech and writing; this will include interaction with Spanish speakers.
Students develop their ability to read and respond to a variety of texts, including some extended texts written for different purposes and audiences. The course material is drawn from a range of authentic sources, including contemporary and historical, and literary fiction and non-fiction texts, adapted as necessary.
How is A Level Spanish assessed?
AS Level Spanish
- Paper 1: Listening, reading and writing - The exam lasts 1 hr 45 min and is marked out of 90; 45% of AS
- Paper 2: Writing - The exam lasts 1 hr 30 min and is marked out of 50; 25% of AS
- Paper 3: Speaking - The oral exam lasts 12 – 14 min and is marked out of 60; 30% of AS
A Level Spanish:
- Paper 1: Listening, reading and writing - The exam lasts 2 hrs 30 min and is marked out of 100; 50% of A-Level
- Paper 2: Writing - The exam lasts 2 hrs and is marked out of 80; 20% of A-Level
- Paper 3: Speaking - The exam lasts 21–23 min and is marked out of 60; 30% of A-Level
What can I study with Spanish?
The ability to speak another language is an invaluable skill and it combines well with literally any other combination of courses. Due to the nature of the course and the skills being developed, the majority of career paths are enhanced with a language.
Where does a qualification in Spanish lead?
An A-level in a language complements a whole variety of subjects. You may need languages for all sorts of career destinations - doctors, psychologists and physiotherapists need language skills to communicate effectively with patients whether they work in the UK or overseas; businessmen, bankers and entrepreneurs all need language skills to make deals and sell products on the global market. Politicians, historians, geographers and holiday reps all need language skills to get to know the people and area that they are passionate about. A foreign language A-Level will complement and enhance your other studies.
Minimum subject requirements
Grade 6 in Spanish.