Spanish

Course summary

Do you enjoy discussion and debate? Do you enjoy travel and communication? In our increasingly global world, you will gain an in-depth knowledge of the target language, society, literature, culture and political system of China, France, Germany or Spain. A modern language will combine perfectly with any other A Level discipline. Universities, for example, value potential students of English or History studying a language at A Level, while others recommend it for potential scientists as put quite simply, science graduates must be able to communicate. Medical schools recommend that, in addition to their two or three sciences, students study an arts subject at A Level, preferably a language. All study, no matter what the discipline, is about communication and therefore a language at A Level will complement any subject. Looking beyond the Sixth Form, a language degree remains a passport to many professions, such as law, accountancy and investment banking, where employers seek to recruit highly qualified graduates who are fluent in at least another language, or who have the fine-tuned language skills to study more languages. Languages can also be combined with a vast range of other disciplines at university and many non-language degree courses offer the possibility of studying abroad and gaining accreditation through the Erasmus scheme. With so much access to new media, it is an exciting time to study a language! The syllabus explores topics which are particularly relevant to young people. Over the two years of A Level, we study and discuss a very wide range of current affairs-based issues such as relationships and changing family structure, modern technology, music, festivals, media, political structures and immigration. We commence literary study (either one film and one text or two texts, starting in the Lower Sixth and continuing in the Upper Sixth) along with specific historical studies relating to the target language country. Throughout the two years, we continue to study all aspects of grammar with a focus on translation skills. In addition to this, all students undertake independent research which is at the core of the speaking examination in the Upper Sixth.