Why should I study Spanish?

Studying Spanish to AS/A2 level is a rewarding experience, which allows you to communicate to a high level of fluency and to gain an understanding of the countries where the language is spoken. It is considered to be a very marketable skill by potential employers.

What will I study?

AS Units
During this year you will cover topics including:

• Youth Culture and Concerns
• Lifestyle: Health and Fitness
• The World Around Us
• Education and Employment

Unit 1

Oral examination on chosen topic.
This represents 30% of the total AS Level marks.

Unit 2
Listening, reading and writing, including comprehension exercises and an essay.
This represents 70% of the total AS Level marks

A2 Units
During this year, you will cover topics including those above and:

• Customs, traditions, beliefs and religion
• National and international events
• Literature and the Arts

Unit 3
Debate and discussion.
This represents 35% of the total A Level mark.

Unit 4
Reading and writing including translation, an essay, and a research based essay.
This represents 65% of the total A Level mark.

What are the entry requirements?

Normal college entry requirements plus GCSE Spanish grade B and GCSE English Language grade C.

What skills do I need?

• Well developed listening and speaking skills and a willingness to contribute to discussion
• An ability to understand and apply grammatical concepts
• An ability to analyse and express opinions coherently
• An interest in the country, its culture and society
• A good grasp of standard English

How will I be taught?

Lessons will focus on listening, speaking, reading, and writing. You will have 50% of your contact time in our 20 seat Language Laboratory, allowing you to progress individually. We will examine a range of aspects of the societies where the target languages are spoken and also develop your understanding and use of grammatical structures.
You are expected to do extra listening and reading activities in your own time and are required to spend 20 minutes per week with the language assistant in one of your study periods.

How is the course assessed?

The course is assessed in four skill areas—speaking, listening, reading and writing.

What will this course prepare me for?

You could combine Spanish at University with Business Studies, Law or Economics or study one or two new languages with Spanish to degree level. Teaching, the world of commerce and the civil service are professions which Spanish students have entered.
Private Study
As an approximate guideline AS subjects require 3-4 hrs of independent study each; A2 subjects 4-5 hrs each and GCSE subjects 2 hrs each.

What materials will I need to purchase?

You are encouraged to provide your own bi-lingual dictionary.

Examining Board

EDEXCEL

Spanish is for you if

You like speaking Spanish, are interested in how languages work and are willing to learn new material regularly.

Spanish is not for you if

You are not willing to try to speak, don't like independent learning or struggle to remember material accurately.