Spanish
STATEMENT OF INTENT FOR SPANISH
Language students at Charters School will be equipped with the skills necessary to interact in everyday situations in French and Spanish-speaking countries. They will be confident communicators, capable of articulating ideas, desires and needs in various contexts. They will appreciate the value of language-learning and understand more about the cultures of the languages studied. This understanding will help them develop a greater sense of their own identity and appreciate the values and diversity of local and global communities. Through language-learning, they will develop a range of soft skills, including independence, resilience, research and teamwork.
This means:
- They will recognise that language-learning is a cumulative process which takes consistent effort and intellectual stamina
- They will experience foreign cultures through exposure to the arts, entertainment, food and current affairs
- They will have the opportunity to visit France and Spain with Charters
- They will learn and use vocabulary and grammar effectively and independently, to communicate successfully
- They will participate fully in pair and group work to support and learn from others.
SUMMARY OF CURRICULUM
A level Spanish is a vibrant course that combines well with many other subjects, leading to a wide range of opportunities at university and in the world of work.
Students learn to communicate at a high level in Spanish, through the study of topical issues and cultural matters.
Authentic materials are drawn from many sources, including the Spanish media.
A significant amount of grammar is taught in the first term to bridge the gap between GCSE and A level.
Students take responsibility for their own learning and developing skills to a high level.
Speaking skills are developed through one-to-one/two sessions with the Spanish FLA.
Students also have the opportunity for a week’s work experience in Spain during the Y12 work experience week.
COURSE DETAILS
Paper 1: Listening, Reading and Translation
Paper 1 is based on four themes: the evolution of Spanish society; political and artistic culture of the Spanish-speaking world; immigration and multicultural society in Spain; the Franco dictatorship and the transition to democracy.
Paper 2: Written Response to Works and Translation
Students study a literary text (Como Agua Para Chocolate) and a film (Volver).
Paper 3: Speaking
Paper 3 is based on four themes: the evolution of Spanish society; political and artistic culture of the Spanish-speaking world; immigration and multicultural society in Spain; the Franco dictatorship and the transition to democracy. There is also an independent research project.
KEY STAGE 5 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
The minimum entry requirements for Charters Sixth Form can be viewed here
EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL
BE INSPIRED
Take a look around the links below to find our where this exciting subject could lead.
Complementary Subjects
A-level Spanish is a vibrant course that attracts students with a wide range of interests. Therefore, it combines well with any other subject on the curriculum. A Level students combine Spanish with any other subject, from Music to Mathematics and Biology to Sociology. Those with a scientific or mathematical mind often appreciate the logic of the grammar. Those who study English Literature and other discursive subjects usually excel when presenting ideas verbally or on paper. The study of languages is highly regarded by top academic universities, including Oxbridge, and can also work well as a third subject for prospective students of Medicine or Law.
Future Opportunities
By studying a foreign language at A-level, students are able to add some highly desirable skills to their set. These include enhanced problem-solving skills, improved verbal abilities, enhanced memory, flexible and creative thinking, and greater cultural awareness. All of these are highly attractive to potential employers, especially when combined with a sound command of an evergrowing world language. In addition, students of Spanish are equally at ease working independently or in a team, according to the demands of the task in hand. By choosing to study Spanish at university, students open up a range of professional and personal possibilities, including living and working abroad. It can lead to a wide variety of career paths, which may include the media, law, politics, civil service, marketing and public relations. At degree level, Spanish is offered in combination with a vast number of other subjects, such as international management, accounting, film studies, business, global communications, and film and television, to name but a few.
Be inspired by Exploring Further
Create a playlist of Spanish-language songs on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, etc
WEBSITES
https://www.bbc.com/mundo - Spanish-language news stories from around the world
https://www.ver-taal.com/ - language activities based on authentic Spanish adverts, trailers, news reports and songs
BOOKS
The New Spaniards, John Hooper - fantastic guide to modern Spanish history and culture, available on Amazon
Homage to Catalonia - George Orwell’s classic account of his involvement in the Spanish Civil War
Los Funerales de la Mamá Grande, Gabriel García Márquez - collection of short stories by the legendary Colombian author.
