Course Overview

A Level Spanish provides an engaging and exciting opportunity for you to build on your previous study of Spanish at GCSE level.

Through social, intellectual, historical and political cultural themes, you will be able to develop your linguistic knowledge and cultural understanding of the countries and communities where the language is spoken.

A strong focus is placed on building your confidence and fluency in spoken Spanish using relevant and topical themes.

In the first year, you watch and study a Spanish film, while in the second year you explore literature in the target language as well as choosing an area of personal interest to research and present during your speaking exam. This could relate to the country or communities where Spanish is spoken and offers you the opportunity to deepen your cultural awareness.

Topics may include:

• Being a young person in a Spanish-speaking society
• Changes in family, marriage and divorce
• Education systems, travel and work opportunities
• Understanding the Spanish-speaking world
• Regional culture and heritage in Spain
• Media, art, film and music in the Spanish-speaking world
• Discrimination, diversity and difference
• The two Spain’s: 1936 onwards
• El franquismo
• Post-civil war in Spain.

Assessment Methods

You will be assessed through listening, reading, writing and speaking examinations, with regular internal assessment taking place as the course unfolds. Your final A Level exam will be made up of two written exam papers and one speaking exam.

Progression Options

The majority of our students go on to university with many studying Spanish combined with another subject.

Many students also take the chance to spend a year working or studying abroad.

You might even decide to work and live in Spain or Latin America to practice and improve your language skills.