Spanish A-level 

Course Leader: Mr J Perrett 

What is it all about? 

Spanish is a modern, global language spoken by over 550 million people worldwide. Therefore, choosing to continue your Spanish studies at A-level creates a range of opportunities for your career, higher education and international travel. 

The UK Government recognises that there is a significant shortage of linguists nationally, so by studying Spanish A-level you will be giving yourself the edge when applying for the top universities and jobs. 

The A-level Spanish course builds on your GCSE experience, opening your eyes to the very best of the culture, current affairs, media and lifestyle that the Spanish-speaking world has to offer. You will also develop essential skills that will equip you for success later in life: research, public speaking, problem-solving and communication skills. 

What are the entry requirements? 

In addition to the general entry requirements for A-level study of five GCSEs at grade 9-4, including English and Maths, you will need to achieve a minimum grade 5 in Spanish GCSE. 

What will I learn on this course? 

Subject content: 

1. The evolution of Spanish society: changing family structures, the world of work, the impact of tourism in Spain. 

2. Political and artistic culture in the Spanish-speaking world: music, media, festivals and traditions. 

3. Immigration and the multicultural Spanish society: immigration, integration and public opinion. 

4. Franco’s dictatorship and the transition to democracy: the Civil War, the rise of Franco, the dictatorship and the transition to democracy. 

Literary and film content: 

Students will select a film and a book to study, from a list provided by the exam board. 

Independent research project: 

Students choose a topic of personal interest which relates to the Spanish-speaking world, and produce a project on their findings. Past topics have included: 

• Historical events, e.g. the Chilean coup d’état 

• Buildings, e.g. the Alhambra 

• Individuals or groups, e.g. Che Guevara 

• Current issues, e.g. the Mexican drug war 

• Personal interests, e.g. Real Madrid and their tenth European cup 

How will I be assessed? 

• Paper 1 – Listening, reading and translation 

• Written examination 

• 2 hours 

• 40% of the qualification 

• Paper 2 – Written response to the book and film, and translation 

• Written examination 

• 2 hours and 40 minutes 

• 30% of the qualification 

• Paper 3 – Speaking 

• Internally conducted/recorded and externally assessed 

• 21-23 minutes, including 5 minutes of preparation time 

• 30% of the qualification 

Is there anything else I need to know? 

Classes are small, which facilitates genuine and extensive use of Spanish during lessons, and individual support. By the end of the course, you will be able to use your Spanish confidently and fluently to discuss a range of everyday topics and to enable travel to Spanish-speaking countries. 

The Languages Department have a range of resources which you are welcome to borrow to support your studies – grammar books, textbooks and revision guides, novels, films etc. We will do our best to get hold of anything that we don’t have in stock! 

You will see your own progress through regular low-stakes quizzes and assessments. 

We tailor the course to students’ individual interests and current affairs as the course progresses. This flexibility means we can react to your needs and preferences throughout. 

A-level Spanish exams are a very different experience from GCSE – for example, you control your own listening audios on an MP3 player and can play each track as many times as you like. 

Who can I contact for more information? 

Jake Perrett (Course Leader) – jake.perrett@westsomersetcollege.org 

Or read the full specification at: Spanish (2016) | Pearson qualifications