SPANISH

A LEVEL

Course Overview

AQA A Level Spanish

Work will continue at sixth form level on the four key skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. A more in-depth study of grammatical structures will be undertaken, leading to a greater ability to manipulate the language for the purpose of self-expression. Classes are conducted mainly in Spanish and students are encouraged to contribute as much as possible to discussions. A variety of contemporary topic areas make up the basis of the course, incorporating history, geography and sociology.

Cultural awareness is promoted by the use of authentic sources. Learners engage with the target cultures through a variety of media, producing written and spoken work springing from meaningful and engaging contextual knowledge. The extensive use of a variety of authentic materials acquaints learners with a range of language and helps them to develop an authentic feel for Spanish.

Critical and independent thinking are developed through the study of literary and non-literary texts. Learners articulate their understanding and justify opinions both in the foreign language and in English, gaining essential critical tools and writing skills required for further study, as well as for the workplace. Grammatical competence and the ability to manipulate language accurately and appropriately are a prerequisite for study in higher education and are developed and rewarded through the mode of assessment.

Target Audience

Applications are welcome from students who have shown an aptitude for MFL at GCSE level and who want to build on these foundations to study the language in greater depth. Emphasis will be placed on building up the fluency of the spoken language, so a willingness to ‘have a go’ is a must.

Year 12 Units

ASPECTS OF SPANISH-speaking society

Los valores tradicionales y modernos Traditional and modern values
El ciberespacio Cyberspace
La religión católica y las fiestas The Catholic religion and festivals

ARTISTIC CULture in the SPANISH-speaking world

La influencia de los ídolos The influence of idols
La identidad regional Regional identity
El patrimonio cultural Cultural Heritage

Year 13 Units

multiculturalism in SPANISH-speaking society

La inmigración Immigration
El racismo Racism
La convivencia Coexistence

aspects of political life in the SPANISH-speaking world

Jóvenes de hoy, ciudadanos de mañana Youth of today, citizens of tomorrow
Monarquías y didtaduras Monarchy and dictatorship
Los movimientos sociales Social movements

LITERAtURE AND FILM

EL LABERINTO DEL FAUNO

Guillermo del Toro

Pan's Labyrinth

LA CASA DE BERNADA ALBA

Federico García Lorca

The House of Bernada Alba

Higher Education Progression Routes

A Facilitating SUBJECT

Modern languages are considered to be facilitating subjects. These are the subjects most commonly required or preferred by universities to get on to a range of degree courses.

They help you keep your options open when choosing a degree, and many of the top universities will ask you to have at least one A-level in a facilitating subject when you apply.

Complementing your other A Level subjects with a language demonstrates a well-rounded programme of study. It shows your versatility and adaptability, which are vital skills at university and in the world of work. Learning a language sharpens your problem-solving skills, improves memory, and enhances critical thinking.

Multilingualism is in high demand and businesses value candidates who can communicate with international partners, clients, and customers. Whether you would like to work in engineering, medicine, the arts or politics, an A Level in Spanish will set you firmly apart from other candidates.

A DEGREE IN MODERN LANGUAGES

A degree in one or more modern languages develops written and spoken language skills, as well as learning more about history, literature and culture.

Courses often include time abroad studying at a university or teaching.

Some courses may allow students to study a language from scratch. It is also very common to be able to study Spanish alongside another subject, for example Law, History, Politics or even STEM subjects. Check with individual universities before deciding what to study.