Spanish

Course summary

AQA has designed a stimulating two-year programme which will enable students to develop their linguistic skills alongside their understanding of the culture and society of the countries where Spanish is spoken. Students will learn the Spanish language through the study of technological and social change, looking at the multicultural nature of Hispanic society, and of the Hispanic artistic culture, including a focus on Spanish regional identity and the cultural heritage of past civilisations. They will also study aspects of the diverse political landscape of the Hispanic world. Finally, students will explore the influence of the past on present-day Hispanic communities, will study texts and films and will also have the opportunity to carry out independent research on an area of their choice. Topics taught: PAL - Aspects of Hispanic Society: Modern & Traditional Values, Cyberspace and Equal Rights. Artistic Culture in the Hispanic World: Modern Day Idols, Spanish Regional Identity and Cultural Heritage. Film: Pedro Almodóvar’s “Volver” (Spain, 2006). Book: Fernando Fernán Gómez’s play "Las Bicicletas Son Para El Verano" (Spain, 1977). TAL - Multiculturalism in Hispanic Society: Immigration, Racism and Integration. Political Life in the Hispanic World: Today's Youth and Tomorrow Citizens, Monarchies and Dictatorships, Popular Movements and Spain’s 20th Century History. Film: Guillermo del Toro’s “El Laberinto del Fauno (Pan’s Labyrinth)” (Spain/Mexico/USA, 2006). Book: Fernando Fernán Gómez’s play "Las Bicicletas Son Para El Verano" (Spain, 1977). Skills taught: This syllabus aims to: • Enhance students’ linguistic skills and develop their capacity for critical thinking. • Turn students into confident, accurate and independent Spanish speakers. • Engage pupils critically with intellectually stimulating texts, films and other authentic materials in the target language. • Equip students with transferable skills such as autonomy, resourcefulness, creativity, critical and analytical thinking, problem solving, independent research and linguistic, cultural and cognitive flexibility that will enable them to proceed to further study or to employment.