Course
Spanish
Exam Board
AQA
For more information contact Head of Department:
Miss E Blanchette - EBlanchette@stedmunds.orgĀ
Brief introduction to subject:
The key points of this specification are that students can:
- Develop an interest in and enthusiasm for language learning.
- Develop understanding of the language in a variety of contexts and genres.
- Communicate confidently, clearly and effectively in the language for a range of purposes.
- Develop awareness and understanding of the contemporary society, cultural background and heritage of countries or communities where the language is spoken.
- Understand how their study of the language fits into a broader context.
- Derive enjoyment and benefit from language learning.
- Acquire knowledge, skills and understanding for practical use, further study and/or employment.
- Communicate with speakers of the language.
If you enjoy this vibrant language and want to know more about Spain and the Spanish-speaking world, then A-Level Spanish may well be for you. The early part of the course gives you the chance to get to bring together prior learning and build up your confidence with a broader vocabulary, and you will go on to master a wide range of grammatical concepts. We use a variety of teaching resources including newspapers and magazine style material plus CDs, DVDs and the internet. We are lucky enough to have a Spanish language assistant who works both in class and with individuals and small groups to increase your spontaneity and to add authentic cultural elements to your work. Our groups tend to be small so everybody has the opportunity to contribute - in Spanish, of course!
What our students say
"I am hoping to use Spanish for my future career."
"I think it opens so many opportunities if you have a foreign language qualification."
Course Requirements
Spanish - Grade 6
English Literature - 6
Assessment
Paper 1: Listening, reading and writing ā¢ Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes ā¢ 100 marks ā¢ 50% of A-level
Paper 2: Writing ā¢ Written exam: 2 hours ā¢ 80 marks in total ā¢ 20% of A-level
Paper 3: Speaking ā¢ Oral exam: 21ā23 minutes (including 5 minutes preparation time) ā¢ 60 marks in total ā¢ 30% of A-level
Paper 1 : Listening, Reading and Writing
This paper covers listening, reading and translation. It assesses the following topics: current trends in Spanish-speaking society; current issues in Spanish-speaking society; artistic culture in the Spanish-speaking world; Political life in the Spanish-speaking world and grammar.
Paper 2 : Writing
This paper requires an essay to be written on one text and one film or two texts from the list set in the specification. The quality of written Spanish as well as the standard of analysis and criticism will be assessed.
Paper 3 : Speaking
This paper assesses oral skills and requires students to talk about a research project they have carried out as well as discuss one of four the topics they have studied for Paper 1.
The world is your oyster when studying languages at A level. Students can go on to study languages at university or opt for vocational courses with a foreign language. YourĀ foreign language can be combined with another subject at degree level and this can be an unrelated subject such as a science or business studies. Modern Languages are useful for careers in the sports industry, teaching, translation, interpreting, the travel industry, journalism, customs and all businesses involved with exporting and importing goods and services. Employers strongly value competence in a foreign language not only for the ability you will have to communicate effectively with other nationalities but also for the fact that it demonstrates good organisational skills, determination to succeed over an extended period and the ability to retain key information etc. You are an asset to any business if you can speak a second language and it opens up the opportunity to work abroad with ease.
