SPANISH
A Level
Taking your Spanish to an advanced level through the practice and study of its grammar is just one of the elements of the course. Alongside the linguistic aspect, we will delve into the daily life, trends, politics and history of Spain. Finally, Spanish literature and cinema are also present in the course, which includes the study of a film, Maria Llena Eres de Gracia, and the Federico Garcia Lorca’s play La Casa de Bernarda Alba.
There are three components to our course:
• Component 1: Speaking (30%) – this includes a short presentation and discussion of a research project, and a discussion on a theme from the syllabus.
• Component 2: Listening, Reading and Translation (50%)
• Component 3: Critical Response in Writing (20%) – two essays in Spanish about a film and a literary work.
Preparing for this course
Explore some Spanish art and culture, in preparation for the cultural / historical topics.
Apart from refreshing your GCSE grammar and vocab, it is a good idea to have a look at websites in Spanish to familiarise yourself with the language (Don’t worry if you only understand a few things!):
- El Pais - Diario de noticias y opinión - www.elpais.es
- El Mundo – Diario de noticias y opinión - www.elmundo.es
- rtve – Noticias, documentales y series de radio y televisión. - www.rtve.es
- rne – Podcasts de 50 minutos: Temas de cultura e historia
- Notes in Spanish – Podcast (app) sobre aspectos varios de la vida en España y también de cultura. Existen versiones para Principiantes, Intermedio y Avanzado.
- SSL 4 YOU – Podcast sobre aspectos de la cultura española. Cada audio tiene su transcripción y su versión inglesa.
- Centro Virtual Cervantes – Centro de recursos y promoción de la lengua. https://cvc.cervantes.es La sección “Aveteca” tiene actividades para hacer en línea. https://cvc.cervantes.es/ensenanza/actividades_ave
- YouTube channel of BBC News Mundo - Clips cortos en español sobre varios temas: ciencias, lengua, política, curiosidades … Muchos tienen subtítulos. Un recurso ideal para la comprensión oral.
More about the course
What will I study
Few would argue that the political climate throughout the world has changed dramatically in recent years. Consequently, employers in both domestic and international job markets need candidates with a clear understanding of different cultures and the ability to communicate confidently and effectively within those cultures. Learning Spanish, the second most spoken native language in the world and the third in terms of total number of speakers, can only boost your job prospects; it provides you with international experience and an empathetic view of the outside world – skills many employers are looking for.
With A Level Spanish you will explore the history, character and way of living in Spain. You will have the opportunity of studying elements of their art and culture, their traditions, their ideas, but also the tensions and challenges they face as a community in a global world
Why choose Spanish at KGV
At KGV you will benefit from learning in a variety of ways and settings, using authentic materials, and current media. There is also an opportunity to visit Spain where we will immerse ourselves in the culture as well as practicing speaking the language. However, the unique benefit of choosing to study Spanish at KGV is that you will be taught by a native speaker. This is a valuable opportunity, as the conversation sessions that take place are a fantastic environment to practise and learn in. Furthermore, KGV’s fantastic Learning Centre provides you with a wide variety of audio books, graded readings adapted to learners of the language, comics and films so that you can explore and learn independently with the resources of your choice.
A Level Spanish can lead to studying languages at university, but you will also be equipped with many skills that employers across the board find invaluable: communication, relationship building, research and analysis.
Entry Requirements
Standard
5 GCSEs at grades 9 - 5 and or including, English Language and Maths at grade 4 or above.
Course specific
You will need a grade 6 or above in Spanish or at least a grade 7 in another Modern European Language.