Spanish

Spanish – A-Level Qualification

Examining Body:

AQA

Entry Criteria:

Ideally Grade 6 GCSE Spanish

Course Leader:

Mr T Wainman

Why? :

This course develops linguists who speak spontaneously, write confidently and who can understand a wide variety of spoken and written materials. Students also develop a deeper understanding of societal and cultural issues through the study of topics as wide-ranging as, for example, Spanish regional identity, equal rights and dictatorships. The course also includes the study of the film Volver and the novel La Sombra del viento. A level Spanish will provide you with a firm foundation for degree level study or equivalent and, taken on its own or combined with another subject, could enable you to spend part of your degree in a Spanishspeaking country.

Course Structure:

Students sit three exams covering listening and reading comprehension, translation into English and Spanish, an essay each on the set film and text, and the speaking exam. In Year 12, you will study: Hispanic society: modern and traditional values, cyberspace and equal rights. Artistic culture: modern-day idols, Spanish regional identity and cultural heritage. Film: Volver (dir. Pedro Almodóvar), a moving and funny award-winning film centering on the lives of a family of eccentric women and dealing with themes of life, death, loneliness and solidarity against a backdrop of urban and rural Spain. In Year 13, you will study: Hispanic society: Immigration, racism and integration. Political life: Citizens of tomorrow, monarchies and dictatorships, popular movements. Text: La Sombra del viento, by Carlos Ruiz Zafón, a Spanish best-selling novel filled with intrigue, heroism, murder and star-crossed lovers. Independent research project: Into an aspect of Spanish society or culture. The project is assessed in the speaking exam only. A level Spanish students will use authentic spoken and written sources from a variety of contexts and will have opportunities for pair and group work in order to develop the ability to analyse and discuss the topics and build arguments

Extended Learning:

Tasks range from listening and reading comprehension to grammar and translation exercises and essay writing, in addition to focused study of the film or set text and research for the independent research project in Year 13. Students are given comprehensive guidance and supported with a list of useful online resources and websites to direct their independent work