Why Spanish?
By becoming proficient in Spanish you will enhance your employment prospects. You will acquire a life skill which will facilitate foreign travel and your ability to learn other languages. In addition, unemployment for Languages graduates is low.

Are there any recommendations for entry to the course?
You should have achieved at least a grade 6 at GCSE in Spanish. You should also be keen to develop the knowledge and communication skills you acquired at GCSE. A desire to gain an insight into another culture and society is important.

What will I study?
In the Lower Sixth, you will continue to improve the four skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. By developing your knowledge of appropriate words, phrases and grammar, you will be able to discuss the following topics:

Media; Popular Culture;
Healthy living/ Lifestyle; Family/ Relationships.

In the Upper Sixth, you will build on the skills acquired in the Lower Sixth and study the following topics:
Environment; The Multicultural Society; Contemporary Issues; Culture.

Within the Culture topic you may study a period of 20th century history in Spain, including the Spanish Civil War; a Spanish-speaking author, such as Garcia Marquez or Isabel Allende; a Spanish-speaking poet or dramatist, such as Lorca or Cervantes; a Spanish director, such as Almodovar or Guillermo del Toro; or a Spanish-speaking architect, musician or painter, such as Gaudi, Juanes or Picasso.

How will I be assessed?
Lower Sixth
Unit 1 – Listening (where you have control of what you hear), Reading and Writing.
A 2 hour examination. 35% of A Level.
Unit 2 – Oral examination which covers the topics of Unit 1. 35 minutes
(including 20 minutes preparation time).15% of A Level.

Upper Sixth
Unit 3 – Listening Reading and Writing. 2 hours 30 minutes. 35% of A Level.
Unit 4 – Oral examination. 35 minutes (which includes 20 minutes preparation time).
15% of A Level.

What can study of this subject lead to?
Almost anything! Some students will continue to study Spanish at university, possibly combining it with another language or subject. Spanish combines well with subjects such as Law, Business Studies, Marketing, Accountancy and Banking. Employers value highly a proficiency in Spanish.

Is there anything else I should know?
It can be a good idea to combine Spanish with similar disciplines such as English or French, or combine with Mathematics or Sciences to show a broad range of skills. Authentic Spanish material will be used for research into topic work, and you will be given the opportunity of work experience in a Spanish-speaking country.