Course Overview
The course will build on your existing skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing.
Through the study of themes such as being a young person in the Spanish speaking world, you will develop an understanding of the culture and way of life.
You will enjoy the support of a native speaker for oral and general linguistic help and spend time in the language laboratory to practise listening and pronunciation skills.
The following topics will be studied with reference to Spanish as well as in a wider global context as appropriate:
AS Level (year 1
Theme 1:
Being a young person in Spanish-speaking society
Family structures, traditional and modern values, friendships / relationships
Youth trends, issues and personal identity
Educational and employment opportunities
Theme 2:
Understanding the Spanish-speaking world
Regional culture and heritage in Spain, Spanish-speaking countries and communities
Literature, art, film and music in the Spanish-speaking world
A Level (year 2)
Theme 3:
Diversity and difference
Migration and integration
Cultural identity and marginalisation
Cultural enrichment and celebrating difference
Discrimination and diversity
Theme 4:
The Two Spains, 1936 onwards Spain – coming to terms with the past?
As well as the specified topics, AS students will study a film from a prescribed list and A2 students will study a novel from a prescribed list.
20/10/22
Entry Requirements
GCSE profile to include Spanish and English at grade B is recommended.
Course Delivery
The course is delivered through four sessions that make up 4.5 hours a week. You will learn using a variety of methods including group work, debates, role-play, and interactive listening activities.
One session per week will be spent in the language laboratory. We believe learning a language can only be learnt in its cultural environment, therefore we use authentic materials such as literature, films, music and the media to understand the historical, cultural, social and artistic contexts of Spanish speaking countries.
The students will also benefit from spending an extra 30 minutes per week with the Spanish Assistant to practice their oral skills.
Examinations for both AS and A Level are sat in the summer. This course can be combined with other courses to make a full programme. It goes well with another foreign language and with A Levels in English Language, English Literature, Film Studies, Geography, History, Sociology or any other subject which may lead to an international career.
Progression Opportunities
You could go on to study at university, whether you specialise in Spanish or combine the language with another subject. A Level languages are always attractive to university admissions tutors.
Languages are also useful in many careers such as leisure and tourism, teaching, journalism, business, politics and international law. The knowledge of a foreign language will be a valuable asset in the workplace of tomorrow.
Among the universities to which students have progressed are Cardiff, Swansea, Bristol, Bath, Exeter, London (King’s, UCL, University of London Institute in Paris), Oxford and Cambridge. Studying a language can open up many opportunities for career progression. Employers increasingly value languages because they demonstrate a wide cultural experience as well as other highly regarded transferable skills such as communication, problem solving and spontaneity.
Additional Information
Many students pursue work experience opportunities during the summer vacation or before going to university. Students are encouraged to attend relevant cultural events in the local area e.g. Spanish language films at the Taliesin.