Spanish A level
Board: AQA
Syllabus: 1A/A2 Level (7692)
About the subject
The main aims are to help you communicate confidently, clearly and effectively in Spanish through both the written and spoken word; to develop your understanding of the spoken and written forms of Spanish; to help you develop critical insights into and contact with, the contemporary society, cultural background and heritage of Spain and Latin-American countries.
At 1A level, activities are based on the following topic areas –
– Aspects of Hispanic Society: Modern and traditional values, Cyberspace, Equal rights.
– Artistic culture in the Hispanic world: Modern day idols. Spanish regional identity. Cultural heritage or cultural landscape.
– A film in Spanish “El laberinto del Fauno”
At 2A level activities are based on the following areas-
– Multiculturalism in the Hispanic Society: Immigration, Racism, Integration.
– Aspects of political life in the Hispanic World: Today’s youth, tomorrow’s Citizens, Monarchies, republics and Dictatorships, Popular movements.
– 1 book or 1 film in Spanish:
“Como Agua para Chocolate” and “El Laberinto del Fauno” revisited
Learning styles
Much use of Spanish in classroom, most lessons include a variety of activities. Expect the opportunity to speak in pair or group work, listening to audios, exercises to increase vocabulary, oral presentations, explanation and revision of grammar, short written tasks and pronunciation exercises. There will be a weekly lesson with the Assistant to reinforce speaking skills and work on exam techniques covering the topic areas listed above.
Subject Combinations and Progression
Useful with all combinations, but particularly Science, History, English, Mathematics, Business Studies, Politics, Art; essential for any student considering an Erasmus programme in HE; almost all students who take a language at degree level study it as part of a package. e.g. European Studies and Spanish, Law and Spanish, Chemistry and Spanish.
Subject Modules and Assessment
A Level
Paper 1: Listening, reading and Writing 2 hours and 30 minutes exam including listening and reading comprehension, translation into English and translation into Spanish.
100 marks in total 50% of A-level.
Paper 2: Written exam 2 hours. One question on a set book and one question on a set film.
80 marks in total, 20% of A-level.
Paper 3– 21-23 minutes oral exam (including 5 minutes preparation time) 60 marks in total, 30% of A-level.
Discussion of a sub-theme with the discussion based on a stimulus card. (25 marks)
Presentation and discussion of Individual Research Project ( IRP). (35 marks)
Entry requirements
6 in Spanish GCSE preferred and a 4 in English GCSE