A LEVEL SPANISH
Exam Board
EDEXCEL
Overview
The Spanish A level qualification has been developed to inspire all students who have an appreciation of the language, literature, film and culture of the Spanish-speaking world. This course features familiar and popular themes as well as content that provides clear links to some of the most fundamental and interesting aspects of the culture of the target language country and communities.
Why Choose This?
The aim of the A-level modern language course is to help you to develop an interest in speaking a foreign language, to gain awareness of the need to speak foreign languages, to appreciate the nature and diversity of different cultures and people and to acquire knowledge, skills and understanding for practical use, further study and employment.
Employers often require an understanding of other cultures, good oral communication skills and the discipline and work ethic that learning a language entails. Languages can lead to a wide range of professions, for example: interpreting, translating, working in public and private businesses, law, engineering, politics, computing, travel and tourism, teaching and journalism. Languages are an invaluable skill to have; they are key to the exciting multinational world we live in!
Areas of Study & Assessment
Year 12
Theme 1: Social issues and trends: Evolving society in Spain
Theme 2: Political and/or intellectual and/or artistic culture in the Spanish speaking world
Year 13
Theme 3: Social issues and trends: Immigration and the Spanish multicultural society in Spain
Theme 4: Political and or intellectual and/or artistic culture: The Franco dictatorship and transition to democracy
Paper 1: Listening, reading and translation
2 hours
40% of the qualification (80 marks)
Paper 2: Written response to works and translation
2 hours and 40 minutes
30% of the qualification (120 marks)
Paper 3: Speaking
Internally conducted and externally assessed
Total assessment time: between 21 and 23 minutes (including 5 minutes’ preparation time)
30% of the qualification (72 marks)
What Our Students Say
If you are looking for a diverse and engaging A level option, then studying languages is for you! You will develop invaluable skills that complement and aid your progress in other subjects - communication skills, analytical thinking and the ability to work independently. The great thing about languages is that they encompass so much, one day you could be learning about the debate surrounding immigration and the next looking at key historical moments. What’s more, languages students are sought after by universities and employers and the careers options are endless. From translation and interpreting, to business and marketing, to teaching and even careers abroad!