There are now more native Spanish-speakers in the world than those of any other language except Mandarin Chinese (yes, more people have Spanish as their first language than English!). However, Spanish A Level is much more than just a communication qualification. In fact, it is one of the most diverse courses imaginable, covering everything from Cuban politics to Colombian literature, Mexican art to Spanish cinema, whilst also considering gender stereotypes; the rise of the Internet; racial discrimination; celebrity culture; immigration policy and much more! This is a course for adventurous students who want the skills that come with learning a foreign language, but who also want to discover new ideas and cultures, and look at the world we live in from a different perspective.

• GCSE English Language grade 4 or above
• GCSE Spanish grade 6 or above or native speaker

Social, Political and Cultural Topics:

The following 12 topics (categorised into 4 broader areas) will be studied as we work on the development of speaking, listening, reading, writing and translation skills:

Aspects of Hispanic society:

• Modern and traditional values
• Cyberspace
• Equal rights (gender equality, LGBT rights)

Multiculturalism in Hispanic society:

• Immigration
• Integration
• Racism

Artistic culture in the Hispanic world:

• Modern day idols (the influence of celebrities)
• Spanish regional identity (festivals, food, regional languages)
• Cultural heritage (art/architecture, music, Aztecs/Mayans, Muslim heritage in Spain)

Aspects of political life in the Hispanic world:

• “Today’s youth, tomorrow’s citizens” (youth engagement with politics)
• Monarchies and dictatorships
• Popular political movements

Literature and Film
The main written element of the Spanish A Level is an essay paper in which students are assessed on their critical responses to a film and a play which they have studied in depth. We will be studying:

Film: El laberinto del fauno
Set during the Spanish Civil War, but also delving deep into the fantasy world, El laberinto del fauno alternates between two different plot-lines, connected by the child-heroine Ofelia. On the one hand, we have the story of the Spanish rebels’ last stand against the fascist troops who have occupied Spain. On the other, we have Ofelia’s quest to complete a series of challenges, escape gruesome monsters and become Queen of the Underworld. A truly unique film!

Novel: Crónica de una muerte anunciada, Gabriel García Márquez
Written by this Nobel Prize-winning Colombian author, and based on the true story of a murder in his hometown, this is an upside-down detective story in which everyone knows who is going to commit the murder from the start. It’s a mysterious story of collective guilt, culminating in the sacrificial slaughter of an innocent(ish) man. Gruesomely, quirkily provocative, this is one not to miss!

Individual research project
With support and guidance from their teacher, students select and research a topic of their choice, which can be anything relating to Spain or a Spanish-speaking country. They are then assessed on their project as part of their speaking examination. This is a real opportunity for students to become experts in a topic that excites them and gets them thinking.

Paper 1 – Listening, reading and writing
Exam: 2 hours and 30 minutes
100 marks
50% of A Level

Paper 2 – Writing
Written exam: 2 hours
80 marks
20% of A Level

Paper 3 – Speaking
Speaking exam: 21-23 minutes in length based on the research project + a discussion of one of the social, political and cultural topics 60 marks
30% of A Level

Spanish has the advantage of being both a practical employment skill and a subject which is perceived to be highly academic, meaning that it is much sought after by both universities and employers.

Former languages students choose to deploy their languages skills in a range of rewarding professional contexts, including journalism, law, business, politics and diplomacy. Meanwhile, many other careers are also available specifically for languages graduates, including language teaching (within the UK and abroad), linguistic and cultural research, and translation/interpretation.

Learners should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes with specific higher education providers.