A Level Spanish

Do you hope to one day work abroad or speak a language fluently? Are you interested in an academically challenging course with a strong practical application? If so, then studying a Modern Language to A-level could be for you. We offer French, German and Spanish to AS and A-level. The MFL course will develop language skills, cultural and international understanding, and lifelong communication, analytical and research skills which can be applied at work or for leisure purposes.

What will I study?

There are 4 core topic areas at A-level:

Aspects of Hispanic society
Artistic culture in the Hispanic world
Multiculturalism in Hispanic society
Aspects of political life in Hispanic society

In addition, you will study two literary texts, Como agua para chocolate and Réquiem por un campesino español.

Within Aspects of Hispanic society you will look at:
• Los valores tradicionales y modernos
• El ciberespacio
• La igualdad de los sexos

Within Artistic culture in the Hispanic world you will study:
• La influencia de los ídolos
• La identidad regional en España
• El patrimonio cultural

Within Multiculturalism in Hispanic society you will look at:
• La inmigración
• El racismo
• La integración

And within Aspects of political life in Hispanic society you will study:
• Jóvenes de hoy, ciudadanos de mañana
• Monarquías y dictaduras
• Movimientos populares

There are 3 exams:

Paper 1: listening, reading & translation into both English & Spanish (2 hr 30 mins, 100 marks) 50%
Students will have individual control of the listening recording. Questions in Spanish to be answered with non-verbal responses or in Spanish for both reading (50 marks) & listening (30 marks).

Paper 2: writing - literature essays (2 hrs, 80 marks) 20%
Two essays to be written from choice of 2 possible titles on Como agua para chocolate & Réquiem por un campesino español of approximately 300 words. These require a critical appreciation of the concepts and issues covered in the work and a critical and analytical response to features such as the form and the technique of presentation, as appropriate to the works studied.

Paper 3: speaking (16-18 minutes + 5 minutes preparation time, 60 marks) 30%
Discussion of a sub-theme with the discussion based on a stimulus card (5 – 6 minutes, 25 marks), followed by a presentation (2 minutes) and discussion (9 – 10 minutes) of an individual research project (35 marks).

MFL Extras

Students will have access to a state-of-the-art language laboratory offering individual language-learning facilities. Foreign language assistants will be available to develop your speaking and listening skills through individual or small group conversation. In addition, the department’s strong links with both Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin Universities will provide additional opportunities though the CULP and ‘Routes in Languages East’ projects. There will also be numerous opportunities to spend time in another country though a programme of trips, exchanges and foreign work experience.

Minimum Entry Requirements:

5 x 5s

4 in English and Maths

Subject Specific Entry Requirements:

6 in GCSE Spanish

* Please note that Level 2 vocational courses are the equivalent of 1 GCSE and only 1 will be counted towards the A-Level pathway entry requirements

What can I do with Spanish after sixth form?

Many students follow this course with a languages degree, which usually involves learning two languages alongside literature and/or linguistics. Languages also complement any other subject, and are often combined with popular degree courses such as Law, Business, Marketing, History, Engineering and Medicine. Language graduates are in high demand by employers in the UK and abroad.