A level Specification and Curriculum Overview

Course followed: AQA Spanish 

Course entry requirements

Grade 7 at Spanish GCSE

Introduction

Spanish is an inspiring and popular language spoken by millions worldwide. The A level course aims to develop students’ skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing and encourages students to broaden their cultural and linguistic awareness of Spanish speaking societies. The challenge of studying Spanish is firstly to make the transition between GCSE and A level and then accumulate the expertise to address the demands of the A level specification. GCSE grammar is revised and consolidated, before extending to include A level requirements. With the help of authentic materials, enthusiastic teachers and weekly conversation classes with a native foreign language assistant, students make excellent progress.

We expect and encourage students to take the responsibility to improve their skills and make the most of the department’s excellent authentic and online reading, listening and research resources. They will be advised to ‘read beyond the textbook’ i.e. poetry and literature, news articles in the media and internet, and Spanish TV programmes. We also promote independent listening practice, voice recording and specific language software, with links to useful websites, e.g. RTVE and BBC Mundo. We also encourage students to see Spanish films and plays.

Course content

In the first year of the course (AS level) the following topic areas will be studied, together with one book or film:

• • Social issues and trends  - the evolving society in Spain: changing family structures , and relationships, cyberspace, social movements in the Hispanic world - e.g. equal rights, women in the workplace

  • Artistic culture in the Spanish-speaking world – modern day idols, music, media, fashion,  festivals and traditions, Spanish regional identity and cultural heritage - art, architecture, music

During the second year (A level), an additional book is studied and the topic areas expanded to include:

• • Multiculturalism in the Hispanic world  - immigration and the Spanish multicultural society: historical and contemporary immigration, integration and multiculturalism

  • Political and  artistic culture - The Franco dictatorship and transition to democracy, social movements and current political trends

A potentially very rewarding feature of the new A2 specification is the chance to undertake independent research in Spanish (with teacher support) on topics of specific interest to students, within the cultural and social context of a Spanish speaking country

Course Breakdown

AS and A Level each have 3 externally marked assessed papers. The AS qualification is standalone, and does not count towards A Level.

AS Level breakdown

Paper 1: Listening, reading and translation from Spanish to English -                                               45% of qualification

Paper 2: Written response to set work and translation from English to Spanish                             25% of qualification

Paper 3: Speaking: discussion on 2 themes from specification (AS)                                                    30% of qualification

A Level breakdown

Paper 1: Listening, reading and translation from Spanish to English and English to Spanish      50% of qualification

Paper 2: Written response to set works                                                                                                       20% of qualification

Paper 3: Speaking: discussion on 2 themes from specification (AS)

              Discussion on one theme and presentation and discussion on 

              independent research (A2)                                                                                                               30% of qualification

Enrichment opportunities

Students are encouraged to take part in the trip to Spain where they will be able to build their confidence in spoken Spanish as well as improve their cultural understanding.

Students are actively encouraged to read widely as part of their course, including regular listening and reading of Spanish news articles and online access to Spanish-speaking films and TV series.

We also encourage regular attendance at showings of new Spanish Language films, as well as London theatre performances of Spanish works in the native language or in translation.  

University and Careers

Acquiring Spanish A level is of long-term benefit for future careers and travel opportunities. It can be studied on its own at university or in combination with other languages, arts, humanities, law or science subjects. In an increasingly international labour market, a good working knowledge of Spanish and the cultures of the many countries where it is spoken can be a decisive factor in both further education and future employment. 

Equipment and Expenses

Essential

Course textbook and grammar books

Optional

Participation in Spanish trip

Whenever the opportunity arises, the following are also offered to pupils:

Theatre trips where relevant 

Cinema trips were relevant