A-Level Spanish
A Level Spanish
Spanish is the third most commonly spoken language in the world, with around 400 million speakers; it is without doubt a language of the future. Studying Spanish at St Bede’s will afford you the opportunity to build on GCSE knowledge and acquire an excellent command of the language. In the Sixth Form our Spanish staff offer modules based on their expertise in the cultural, historical and literary aspects of Spain and Latin America. Pupils have many opportunities for enrichment through local events and courses run by cultural institutions such as the Instituto Cervantes in Manchester, the Spanish Embassy and the universities in Manchester. Our annual visits to Spanish-speaking countries include an exchange to Madrid.
How does it build on GCSE knowledge?
Grammar and vocabulary are consolidated, with the added challenge of translation, study of literature and film, and independent research. Higher level topics with global relevance are studied.
Why choose St Bede’s for Spanish?
• Small class sizes make individual support easy
• Fortnightly oral sessions with a mother tongue speaker
• Access to fantastic resources and language learning software
• Opportunity to become a Language Ambassador, help with department events and mentor younger students
• Opportunities for enrichment both in Manchester and abroad
Assessment Information
AQA Spanish A level – 7692
Paper 1: Listening, reading and writing
• Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
• 40% of A level Listening and responding
Reading and responding
• Translation into English; a passage of minimum 100 words (20 marks).
• Translation into Spanish; a passage of minimum 100 words (20 marks).
Paper 2: Writing
• Written exam: 2 hours
• 30% of A level
Either one question in Spanish on a set text from a choice of two questions and one question in Spanish on a set film from a choice of two questions or two questions in Spanish on set texts from a choice of two questions on each text.
Paper 3: Speaking
• Oral exam: 21–23 minutes (including 5 minutes’ preparation time)
• 30% of A level
• Discussion of a sub-theme based on a stimulus card (5–6 minutes). The student studies the card for 5 minutes at the start of the test (25 marks)
• Presentation (2 minutes) and discussion (9–10 minutes) of individual research project (35 marks)