Spanish A Level (See Option Blocks on our website)

A-level. This is a two year course, based around the core topics studied: Social Issues and Trends, Political and Artistic Culture, and grammar. A-level also involves the in-depth study and analysis of a literary text and a film. All four linguistic skills: listening, reading, speaking and writing are studied and assessed, allowing students to become very confident in their use of the foreign language topics.

Modern Language A-levels combine well with any other subject at Notre Dame High Sixth Form and complement a well-balanced education. The course develops essential skills of communication and is an ideal option for students who have an enthusiasm for language learning and a willingness to participate in discussions and debates. Reading and researching contemporary resources, such as newspaper articles, the internet and video-clips, forms an integral part of the course. If you prefer working in smaller groups, there will be opportunities to practise speaking with a language assistant. There are opportunities for students who are interested in travelling abroad to take part in study visits or work experience.

Paper 1- Listening, reading and writing

Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes

100 marks allocated – 50%

Content:

• Aspects of Hispanic society

• Artistic culture in the Hispanic world

• Multiculturalism in Hispanic society

• Aspects of political life in Hispanic society

• Grammar

Paper 2- Writing

Written exam: 2 hours

80 marks allocated – 20%

Content:

• One text - Réquiem por un campesino español

• One film – Volver

• Grammar

Paper 3- Speaking

Oral exam: 21–23 minutes (including 5 minutes preparation time)

60 marks allocated – 30%

Content:

• Individual research project

• Speaking card - One of the four themes from Paper 1 (from choice of two)

We offer A-levels in French and Spanish to those students who have completed a GCSE course. You should have achieved a grade 6 or above at GCSE in the language you will be studying.

(See Option Blocks on our website)

• An A-level in a language is an essential qualification for students wishing to pursue their study of foreign languages in Higher Education.
• Taking an A-level in a foreign language is not restricted to people who want to go on to university to study languages or other arts subjects. Many Higher Education courses now contain a language module and this is becoming a popular option or even a requirement.
• Students of other disciplines e.g. Medicine, are finding that some university departments prefer students with post-GCSE foreign languages. Study of a modern foreign language at A-level also enables you to take advantage of the many opportunities in Europe and beyond.
• Linguistic skills can enhance career and employment prospects both at home and abroad due to the increased trade and business communication across continents.

Whatever your future holds, you will need to be able to communicate with people at all levels, not only about professional matters, but also on a social level. A language qualification could be your trump card, so why not study languages at Advanced level?