Spanish – A Level

Special Entry Requirements

In addition to the A Level entry requirements you will need grade 5 in GCSE Spanish and grade 5 in GCSE English Language.

Please let us know if you do not have a GCSE qualification and want to tell us about your individual situation. If you sat your GCSE in Spanish early, you should contact us for a ‘refresher’ pack.

Subject Intent

Our Modern Foreign Language courses aim to transform our students from citizens of Scarborough to citizens of the world. We will liberate them from insularity and expose them to other cultures, broadening their horizons and equipping them with the language skills to enable them to study or work overseas. Our MFL courses will give students the opportunity to:

• develop their writing, reading, speaking and listening skills in the target language
• learn about the political, historical and social background of the country whose language they are studying
• experience another culture, its art, literature, music and film
• develop a wide vocabulary in the target language and with it an understanding of etymology and how connections can be made with our own language
• endeavour to achieve precision and accuracy in everything they do
• work collaboratively and independently on projects
• develop the ability to forensically analyse language and meaning
• develop resilience as they achieve mastery in something that is challenging and requires real expertise

Course Introduction

It is becoming increasingly important to understand as well as to speak and write confidently in a second language and there are many career opportunities open to those who wish to combine a study of a foreign language alongside another subject. There is no doubt that the ability to communicate well in a foreign language increases self-confidence. Also, it is very impressive and it unlocks doors to a world of new experiences and makes you very desirable as a possible employee. The aim of A Level in Spanish is to increase and expand your knowledge and understanding of the language and way of life of countries where it is spoken. This will be done in a topical and flexible way, with the aim that you will be able communicate clearly with others.

Preparing for Level 3 Spanish

We have created some transition packs on our website to show you the kind of work that you will be doing at level 3 and to help you prepare for September.

If you have any questions about the course, please email admissions@s6f.org.uk

Course Modules

First Year
The course in the Lower Sixth covers the themes of: Traditional and Modern Values; Cyberspace; Sex Equality; The Influence of Idols (singers, musicians, TV and film stars etc.); Regional Identity in Spain; Cultural Heritage in the context of Spain and other countries where Spanish is spoken. This course builds on those topics covered at GCSE level and will improve your reading and listening with a greater understanding of grammar. Also, you will be able to write and speak Spanish with much more confidence.

Second Year
The Upper Sixth continues to develop your skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing through the wider social and cultural topics of: Immigration; Racism; Cultures Living Together; Young People Today; Monarchy and Dictatorships; Popular Movements.

General information
In this course, you will learn by using the Internet, our Languages ICT suite, through group and individual listening activities, role play, memorising, tasks to develop your reading skills and, especially, through conversation in a small group with a native Spanish speaker. You will read and listen to a variety of texts, including stories, magazines, newspaper articles, podcasts and YouTube and have opportunities to take part in a Spanish cultural trip to Malaga. Creative work may include acting, writing letters or stories and making recordings. Our most successful students enjoy listening to and reading Spanish in their own time.

Please note that the Syllabus and Examination Board are the same for Spanish and French and therefore topics do overlap. We follow the AQA specification and there is no coursework.

Assessment

There are 3 papers at the end of the two year course.

Career Opportunities

Students working on iPads in A Level Spanish
Student working on an iPad in A Level Spanish
Student with headphones and iPad in Spanish lesson

Career Opportunities