Spanish

The A Level Spanish course covers a range of social issues and cultural topics which all relate to life in Spain and Spanish-speaking countries. It builds on the topics of GCSE, but introduces new language so that students develop a thorough insight into aspects of Spanish culture.

Students study a Spanish film in depth, and in the second year of the course, a work of Spanish literature. More contemporary issues such as modern Spanish music, the changing nature of the family and the multicultural society, are also core elements of study. Students develop their ability to express themselves fluently in the spoken language, carrying out an independent research project into an aspect of Spanish culture or society that is of particular interest to them, and then discussing it in depth in the oral exam.

Alongside the skill to translate accurately from and into Spanish, students will extend their ability to write evidence-based, persuasive essays in Spanish.

In Year 12, the following topics are studied: changing family structures, the world of work, the impact of tourism – all within the context of Spain. Within the context of Spain and Latin American countries students study the media, festivals and traditions, music, a Spanish film: Pan’s Labyrinth by Guillermo del Toro.

In Year 13, the following topics are studied: immigration, integration and multiculturalism, the civil war, Franco’s dictatorship and the transition to democracy, a work of Spanish Literature: Chronicle of a Death foretold, by Gabriel Marquez and an independent research topic.

At the end of Year 13, Spanish A Level has three exams: a comprehension paper with listening and reading tasks 40%; a writing paper, comprising two essays and a translation 30%; and an oral exam 30%.