Spanish - A Level

Spanish A level builds on the language skills you acquired while studying for GCSE. The course will help you become more fluent and more knowledgeable about current affairs and the culture of Spanish-speaking countries.

The approach is a focus on how Spanish-speaking society has been shaped socially and culturally and how it continues to change. In the first year, aspects of the social context are studied, together with aspects of the artistic life of Spanish-speaking countries. In the second year further aspects of the social background are covered, this time focusing on matters associated with multiculturalism. Students also study aspects of the political landscape including the future of political life in the Hispanic world by focusing on young people and their political engagement. Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of themes relating to the culture and society of countries where Spanish is spoken, and their language skills. They will do this by using authentic spoken and written sources in Spanish. The choice of works (literary texts and films) offers opportunities to link with the themes.

The A-Level assessment is carried out over three papers.

Paper 1: Listening, reading and writing

What's assessed: Aspects of Hispanic society; Artistic culture in the Hispanic world; Multiculturalism in Hispanic society; Aspects of political life in Hispanic society and a range of grammar

How it's assessed: Written exam- 2 hours 30 minutes (100 marks contributing to 50% of A-level)

Paper 2: Writing

What's assessed: One text and one film or two texts from the list set in the specification, essays compromising of approximately 300 words

How it's assessed: Written exam- 2 hours (80 marks in total contributing to 20% of A-level)

Paper 3: Speaking

What's assessed: Individual research project -One of four themes (Aspects of Hispanic society or Artistic culture in the Hispanic world or Multiculturalism in Hispanic society or Aspects of political life in Hispanic society)

How it's assessed: Oral exam lasting 21–23 minutes (60 marks in total contributing to 30% of A-level)

You must be committed to completing a range of independent learning tasks at home and be willing to practise your speaking to increase fluency. A GCSE Grade 5 in Spanish is recommended.

A level Spanish is a requirement if you wish to take a degree in Spanish. Being proficient in a second language gives a real boost to your career prospects. In an increasingly competitive job market, a qualification in a foreign language can really make you stand out from others.

Competency in a second language provides further to the international STEM markets. A language A level can also set you apart when applying to study medicine at university.

Many organisations do business or have offices in other countries so having a team that can easily communicate is invaluable.

Language skills are useful in a broad range of careers including translating, interpreting or teaching, journalism, travel and tourism, marketing, public relations and sales, international development work, the civil service and diplomatic roles, business, law, logistics and finance. Being able to speak another language is also useful if you would like to work abroad.