Sixth Form Handbook 2022-24

SPANISH

Course content and structure Although the disciplines associated with this subject are the same as GCSE - Listening, Reading, Writing Speaking, and the study of grammar, the A-Level course offers you a broad, “liberal arts” education. You will learn about the current trends, social issues, history, politics, art, literature and film of the Hispanic world, and studying Spanish at A-Level will broaden your mind. Spanish links well to Humanities and Arts A-Levels, whilst offering a refreshing blast of culture for those studying Mathematics and Science. Spanish A-Level is a taster of what you can expect to study if you choose a Modern Languages degree at university. Paper 1 - Listening, Reading and Writing (2.5 hours, 50% of the A-Level) This consists of passages of audio and written language, to which you respond by answering written questions in Spanish. You will also translate two passages of 100 words, one into Spanish, one into English. This paper demands a written essay on each of the two works studied, a film and a novel. All questions require a critical and analytical appreciation of the concepts and issues covered and of features such as the form and the technique of presentation, e.g. the effect of the narrative voice in the novel, or camera work in the film. Both the film and the book are chosen to link in with the topics studied and past pupils will tell you that this is one of the most enjoyable elements of Spanish A-Level studies. Paper 3 - Speaking (20 minutes, 30% of the A-Level) Pupils undertake an individual research project, Paper 2 - Writing (2 hours, 20% of the A-Level)

choosing a subject or a key question which interests them and which relates to a country or countries where Spanish is spoken. Pupils present their research and discuss their findings with the examiner. In addition, pupils prepare a stimulus card based on one of the themes above, discussed for a further five minutes. What pupils need to learn At A-Level, pupils build on the strong basis that they will have already achieved at GCSE. In addition to an excellent command of grammar and linguistic structures, an interest in current affairs and a curiosity about the wider world are vital to the enjoyment of Spanish A-Level. We teach pupils vocabulary from a wide range of authentic resources so that they are able to debate a variety of issues, both orally and in writing, and understand written and aural material. We also encourage pupils to see Spanish films, read widely, research areas of interest and speak Spanish Every year, A-Level pupils are offered the opportunity of a week’s immersion course in Salamanca, when pupils stay with local families and study Spanish every morning. We also encourage our A-Level candidates to spend part of their holidays in a country where Spanish is spoken. Throughout the A-Level course, pupils will be offered the chance to view a range of films, access library resources and attend short courses. In addition, the Internet provides us with limitless access to Spanish, Central and South American current affairs, resources for languages learners and podcasts of interviews and news items to keep abreast of topical issues in the target language. whenever possible. Other notes

University and careers links The specification is designed to provide a suitable foundation for the study of the subject or related courses in further and higher education. Languages are important in almost all careers in our increasingly global society and universities view languages as being some of the more rigorous and intellectually demanding subjects at A-Level. Spanish is an important global language, increasingly essential to business in the US and one that gives the speaker access to a rich and vibrant culture.

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