Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages.

It is estimated that Spanish is the mother tongue of more than 400 million people around the world, which is equivalent to approximately six percent of the world’s population. For this reason, if we are based on the number of native speakers, Spanish is officially the second most widely spoken language, ranking ahead of English.

You will study literature, film and traditions and will learn the core skills of translation and interpretation.

Here are some of the skills you should develop:

• communication, including reading, writing and speaking foreign languages
• gathering, assessing and interpreting information
• leading and participating in discussions and groups
• conveying meaning precisely
• presentation
• responding to others – from discussions in oral classes
• attention to detail
• boost in personal confidence and independence
• listening to other people
• resilience
• problem solving

• A Level offered in Spanish (AQA)
• Entry requirement GCSE (or equivalent) Grade 6 or above
• Study visits offered to Spain .
• Trips to the theatre in London.

You will need to have a grade 6 or above at GCSE in Spanish.

In today’s global economy, knowledge of a second language can be an asset for both companies and employees. Companies are always interested in having workers who can help them with international trade, and Spanish is especially valuable in the current situation.

Traveling for pleasure is exciting, but learning Spanish also opens up the possibility of working in a Spanish-speaking country or studying at a Spanish-based academic institution. Leaving your comfort zone and spending long periods in a foreign country can help you develop professionally and personally.

• Dictionary in the relevant language
• Grammar book (advice will be given by subject staff)
• Online materials and language apps – guidance will be given in lessons

Theme 1. Aspects of Hispanic society

• Modern and traditional values (Los valores tradicionales y modernos)
• Los cambios en la familia
• Actitudes hacia el matrimonio/el divorcio
• La influencia de la Iglesia Católica
• Cyberspace (El ciberespacio)
• La influencia de internet
• Las redes sociales: beneficios y peligros
• Los móviles inteligentes en nuestra sociedad
• Equal rights (La igualdad de los sexos)
• La mujer en el mercado laboral
• El machismo y el feminismo
• Los derechos de los gays y las personas transgénero

Theme 2. Artistic culture in the Hispanic world

• Modern day idols (La influencia de los ídolos)
• Cantantes y músicos
• Estrellas de televisión y cine
• Modelos
• Spanish regional identity (La identidad regional en España)
• Tradiciones y costumbres
• La gastronomía
• Las lenguas
• Cultural heritage (El patrimonio cultural)
• Sitios turísticos y civilizaciones prehispánicas: Machu Picchu, la Alhambra, etc
• Arte y arquitectura
• El patrimonio musical y su diversidad

Year 1 Film: Maria Llena Eres De Gracia de Joshua Marston

Theme 3. Multiculturalism in Hispanic society

• Immigration (La inmigración)
• Los beneficios y los aspectos negativos
• La inmigración en el mundo hispánico
• Los indocumentados – problemas
• Racism (El racismo)
• Las actitudes racistas y xenófobas
• Las medidas contra el racismo
• La legislación anti-racista
• Integration (La convivencia)
• La convivencia de culturas
• La educación
• Las religiones

Theme 4. Aspects of political life in the Hispanic world

• Today’s youth, tomorrow’s citizens (Jóvenes de hoy, ciudadanos del mañana)
• Los jóvenes y su actitud hacia la política: activismo o apatía
• El paro entre los jóvenes
• Su sociedad ideal
• Monarchies and dictatorships (Monarquías y dictaduras)
• La dictadura de Franco
• La evolución de la monarquía en España
• Dictadores latinoamericanos
• Popular movements (Movimientos populares)
• La efectividad de las manifestaciones y las huelgas
• El poder de los sindicatos
• Ejemplos de protestas sociales (eg El 15-M, las Madres de la Plaza de Mayo,…)

Year 2 Play: La Casa De Bernarda Alba de García Lorca

End of course examination

Paper 1 – Listening, Reading and Writing – 2 hours 30 minutes – 100 marks

Paper 2 – Writing (Essay) – 2 hours – 80 marks

Paper 3 – Speaking Card and Speaking Project – 21-23 minutes – 60 marks

The approach is a focus on how Spanish-speaking society has been shaped socially and culturally
and how it continues to change. In the first year, aspects of the social context are studied, together
with aspects of the artistic life of Spanish-speaking countries. In the second year further aspects of the social background are covered, this time focusing on matters associated with multiculturalism. Students also study aspects of the political landscape including the future of political life in the Hispanic world by focusing on young people and their political engagement.

If you are interested in languages and communication, and enjoy learning about other cultures and ways of life, then Modern Foreign Language (MFL) courses could be an enjoyable part of your studies. Similarly, if you are interested in the business world, in travel or tourism, or in journalism and the media, then you are also likely to find the courses appropriate. There are a number of options in the courses where you can choose a topic to suit your interests. Whether you want to use the language for work, further study, training or leisure, these courses will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge. Many of our students study more than one language and a large number continue languages at university.Every language you learn will open doors to a world of exciting opportunities, allow you to tap into new networks, and enrich your education.

A Level Spanish