Spanish A Level
SPECIFICATION LINK: 7692
TITLE: AQA Level 3 Advanced GCE in Spanish (601/8732/3)
COURSE INFORMATION
The A Level course for Spanish builds on the listening, speaking, reading and writing skills developed at GCSE. We explore topics that are more mature and reflective of Hispanic society, the cultures and up-to-date trends of these communities. Work is approached in small groups and students are encouraged to communicate their own ideas in their chosen language, whilst critically examining the points of view of their peers and alternative sources.
In order to build fluency and confidence, students have individual speaking sessions with our experienced Language Assistant. The sessions support preparation for the speaking examination discussion and project as well as spontaneous speech to use in Hispanic cultures.
Our materials are taken from radio, Internet, newspapers and magazines, as well as a small amount from fiction, to ensure a broad content. The course studies the novel, La Casa de Bernarda Alba by Federico Garcia Lorca and the film, La Labyintha del Fauno by Guillermo del Toro in detail to build student’s essay writing skills in Spanish.
The themes studied include the following:
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Artistic culture in the Hispanic world
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Modern day idols (La influencia de los ídolos) |
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Spanish regional identity (La identidad regional en España) |
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Cultural heritage (El patrimonio cultural) |
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Aspects of political life in the Hispanic world
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Today's youth, tomorrow's citizens (Jóvenes de hoy, ciudadanos del mañana) |
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Monarchies and dictatorships (Monarquías y dictaduras) |
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Popular movements (Movimientos populares) |
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Aspects of Hispanic society
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Modern and traditional values (Los valores tradicionales y modernos) |
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Cyberspace (El ciberespacio) |
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Equal rights (La igualdad de los sexos) |
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Multiculturalism in Hispanic society
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Immigration (La inmigración) |
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Racism (El racismo) |
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Integration (La convivencia) |
ASSESSMENT STRUCTURE
- Reading, writing and listening examination: 2 hours 30 minutes • 50% of A Level
- Written essay examination: 2 hours • 20% of A Level
- Oral exam: 21–23 minutes (including 5 minutes preparation time) • 30% of A Level
ROUTES FOR PROGRESSION
The A Level qualification will prepare students for University and College as well as a wide range of careers. Mastery of a foreign language is required for such areas as translating and interpreting (EEC, UN, BBC, Civil Service), the diplomatic service or European business and marketing. It can be combined with a series of professions such as import and export, travel and tourism, customs and excise, business, advertising, insurance, law, accountancy, banking or journalism. The list is endless; having left the European Community, the ability to communicate effectively with our neighbours is an invaluable asset to employers and jobseekers alike. More and more the ability to operate in a foreign language is a deciding factor in the job market, with only 5% of British people able to hold a conversation in another language.