Spanish

GCSE SPANISH

What does the course involve?

At GCSE you will develop the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. The topics studied will be:

  1. My world

    • Self, families, friends
    • Interests/hobbies
    • Home/Local environment
    • Daily routine
    • School/future plans

  2. Holiday time/travel

    • Travel/transport/finding the way
    • Tourism
    • Accommodation
    • Holiday activities
    • Services

  3. Work and lifestyle

    • Home life
    • Healthy living
    • Jobs/work experience
    • Leisure
    • Shopping

  4. The Young person in society

    • Character/personal relationships
    • The environment
    • Education
    • Careers
    • Social issues/choice/responsibilities

How is it all examined?

The final examination comprises:

  1. 1.An oral test lasting approximately 10 minutes which includes:
  2. a)A role-play situation
    b)A presentation and discussion
    c)General conversation
  3. 2.A reading test (lasting 50 minutes)
  4. 3.A listening test (lasting 40 minutes)
  5. 4.Coursework

What do I have to do for the coursework?

You will write at least 3 coursework assignments. One of the assignments must be completed under controlled conditions.

Visits to France/Spain/Germany

We would encourage students to participate in the trips organised by members of the Modern languages department. The benefits of these are self evident.

A Level Introduction

Do I have the skills necessary to take this course?

  • You should have already attained a GCSE in Spanish
  • You will need to feel confident at this level in the four language skill areas — Listening/Speaking/Reading/Writing
  • You must have a genuine interest in the language and in the culture and way of life in Spain (and Latin America!)
  • You need to be interested in exploring in much more depth the topic areas you covered at GCSE

What use will it be in the future?

If you are interested in languages and communication, and you enjoy learning about other cultures, then this course may be of interest to you in your quest for ‘employability’

Similarly, if you are interested in the international business world, in travel or tourism, in literature, or in journalism and the media, then you are also likely to find the course appropriate.

Whether you want to use language for work, further study, training, or for leisure the course will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge.

There will be a range of opportunities open to you at the end of the course — many students choose to do degree courses in languages; others choose to pursue a higher education course in another subject (for example Business Studies, Law etc) but choose a language option alongside it.

Indeed, having a European Language at AS or A Level is an extremely marketable asset, in particular with companies which have international dealings.

Whether you are interested in continuing your studies or working at home or abroad, a language course at AS or A Level is an excellent step towards achieving your goals.

What will the course be like?

AS is the first half of the Advanced course, and is studied and examined in the Lower Sixth. You can take just the AS on its own or continue in the Upper Sixth and take the full Advanced Level qualification.

AS Level topics A Level topics

  • The family and relationships
  • The state & the individual
  • Leisure and tourism Distribution of wealth
  • Healthy living Health issues
  • Rights and responsibilities Transport issues
  • Education Science and technology
  • Jobs and careers Racism
  • Crime and punishment
  • Plus three of the following: Future of Europe
  • Global issues
  • Mass media
  • Pollution, conservation and the environment
  • Immigration and multiculturalism
  • Spain and Europe
  • The Spanish-speaking world

How will I be assessed?

You will have to complete three units for AS level and a further three units for a full A level

AS Examination

Unit 1 – Listening reading and writing · 1 hr 30 mins examination · 35% of the total AS marks · 17.5% of the total A level marks

Unit 2 – Writing · 1 hr 30 mins examination · 30 % of the total AS marks · 15% of the total A level marks

Unit 3 – Speaking · 35 mins examination (including 20 mins preparation time) · 35% of the total AS marks · 17.5% of the total A level marks

A2 Examination

Unit 4 – Listening reading and writing · 2hrs 30 mins examination · 17.5 % of the total A level marks

Unit 5 – Literature/ Topics paper · 2 hrs examination OR Coursework · 15% of the total A level marks

Unit 6 – Speaking · 35 mins examination (including 20 mins preparation time) · 17.5% of the total A level marks

Visits and cultural activities

The Spanish department organises either an exchange or a home-stay study holiday every other academic year during February half term. All Sixth Form students are encouraged to take part as the educational/cultural benefits are self-evident.

Trips to the theatre, cinema, conferences and universities are organised on a regular basis