Spanish

Spanish

Exam board: Edexcel
Course code:
9SP0

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/spanish-2016.html

Entry requirement: Grade 6 in Spanish

 

The ability to speak another language and to understand and empathise with other cultures is a key skill in a modern, globalised society. The new A Levels in Modern Foreign Languages focus on developing students’ ability to communicate and comprehend the foreign language at a high level. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the culture of the language that they are studying and be able to engage with a range of authentic resources, including literature and films.

Subject Content

Theme 1: Changes in Spanish society
Theme 2: Culture in the Spanish-speaking world
Theme 3: Immigration and multiculturalism in Spain
Theme 4: The Franco dictatorship and the transition to democracy

In addition to the four themes, students study both a novel and a film in the target language.  The film is ‘El Laberinto del Fauno’ directed by Guillermo del Toro.  In year 13, students study the novella ‘El Coronel No Tiene Quien le Escriba’, by the Colombian novelist and Nobel Prize winner Gabriel García Márquez.

Course Assessment

The A Level qualification is examined across 4 skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing) all of which are examined by means of a terminal exam in Year 13.

  • Paper 1 - Listening, reading and translation (40% of qualification)
  • Paper 2 - Written response to works (novel and film) and translation (30% of qualification)
  • Paper 3 – Speaking (30% of qualification)

Higher Education and Careers

Students who choose this course will be suitably prepared for further study of a language at university and they will achieve a good level of fluency.  They will be able to use the language that they have learnt spontaneously, in a variety of practical situations.  They will have an excellent grounding in an academic discipline which is highly regarded by the very best universities.

Possible careers for linguists include:  translation/interpreting, the Diplomatic Service/the Foreign Office, journalism, marketing/sales, teaching.