Spanish

Do I have the necessary skills?

You will need to have achieved at least a Grade B in GCSE Spanish. You will need to feel confident in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking skills. You must also have a genuine interest in Spanish (and Latin American!) culture.

Who is this course suitable for?

The course is ideal if you are interested in languages and communication, and you enjoy learning about other cultures and ways of life.  Whether you want to use language for work, further study, or leisure the course will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge.

What will I learn on this Advanced GCE course?

The course will enable you to communicate at a higher level in Spanish.  You will develop your knowledge and understanding of contemporary Spanish and Latin American culture.

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 Topics

  • 1. Media
  • Television
  • Advertising
  • Communication Technology
  • 2. Healthy Lifestyle
  • Sport/exercise
  • Healtlh and well-being
  • Holidays
  • 3. Popular Culture
  • Cinema
  • Music
  • Fashion/Trends
  • 4. Family/Relationships
  • Family
  • Friendships
  • Marriage/partnerships


A2 Topics

  • 1. Environment
  • Pollution
  • Energy
  • Protecting the planet
  • 2. Contemporary.Social Issues
  • Wealth and poverty
  • Law and order
  • Impact of scientific and technologicalmprogress
  • 3. The Multicultural Society
  • Immigration
  • Integration
  • Racism
  • 4. Cultural Topics
  • Study of a period of 20th century Spanish history
  • Study of a novelist, dramatist or poet from a Spanish-speaking country

How is it examined?

Two AS units are taken at the end of the Lower Sixth followed by two A2 units at the end of the Upper Sixth.

AS Unit 1

  • Listening, reading and writing
  • 2 hour examination
  • 70% of the total AS marks
  • 35% of the total A level marks

AS Unit 2

  • Speaking test
  • 15 minute test (+ 20 mins preparation time)
    ● 30% of the total AS marks
  • 15% of the total A level mark

A2 Unit 3

  • Listening, reading and writing
  • 2hrs 30 mins
  • 35% of the total A level marks

A2 Unit 4

  • Speaking test
  • 15 minute test (+ 20 mins preparation time)
  • 15% of the total A level marks

What else does the department offer for Sixth Form?

  • Biennial home-stay study holiday to Cordoba, Andalucia
  • Theatre and cinema trips
  • Sixth form language conferences
  • Specialist teaching for Oxbridge candidates

For further details, please contact:  Mrs Joanne Wallwork, Head of Spanish.