Spanish

Exam Board: AQA

Students studying for an A Level qualification will be tested on all subject content in terminal examinations at the end of Year 13.

Language-learning in Key Stage 5 moves from the purely personal (my school, my family etc.) into the study of more abstract topics, which demand an extensive range of topic-specific vocabulary and a broader range of ideas. There is a clear focus on aspects of life in Spanish-speaking society. Knowledge of grammar is consolidated and extended to allow for effective delivery of ideas in writing and orally. There are two written papers at the end of the course, one of which tests listening and reading skills and ability to translate from Spanish into English and from English into Spanish and the other paper focuses on essay writing (film and literature-based). Speaking is tested through an interview in Spanish, based largely upon an Independent Research Project chosen by the candidate.

Year 12 subject content is as follows:

  • Aspects of Hispanic society: current trends (traditional and modern values; the cyber-society; the equality of the sexes)
  • Artistic culture in the Hispanic world (e.g. the influence of idols; regional identity in Spain; cultural heritage)
  • Grammar
  • The study of one literary text or film chosen from a prescribed list.

In addition to the content listed above, students study the following in Year 13:

  • Multiculturalism in Hispanic Society (immigration; racism; integration)
  • Aspects of political life in the Hispanic world (youth of today- citizens of tomorrow; monarchy and dictatorship; popular movements – protests, strikes and trade unions)
  • Grammar (extended)
  • Either a literary text or a film (whichever genre is not studied during Year 12).

Entry requirements:

Grade 6 in Spanish at GCSE.

Progression routes and careers:

Modern Languages are a real asset on your CV as they are one of the facilitating subjects at Advanced Level for entry to the Russell Group Universities. They can be combined with a very wide range of different subjects for university level study. Knowledge of a modern language is a sought-after skill in employment, where your language skills can make a difference of between 10-15% to your salary. 

“Our ability to succeed in a competitive global environment will be even more dependent on having a workforce which is fit for purpose. Within this context, language competence is far more than just another tool in the box, but rather a prerequisite and a facilitator for the development of a wide spectrum of other vital skills and attributes.” (Ann Carlisle, Chief Executive, Chartered Institute of Linguists)

Language skills can be used in almost any career, and particularly in businesses that trade internationally

Job options

Examples of jobs directly related to a Modern Languages degree include:

Jobs where your Modern Languages degree would be useful include: