Spanish
Magdalen College School - Oxfordshire
01865242191
Cowley Place, Oxford, OX4 1DZ
Course summary

The Modern Languages Department at MCS aims to provide enjoyment and intellectual stimulation as well as a rewarding and successful learning experience that will allow pupils to participate confidently and competently in communicative exchanges with native speakers. The emphasis in the Pre-U is on authentic language and culture. As a learner of Spanish, you will be able to explore aspects of the historical and sociological changes that have shaped Spain and transformed it into one of the most forward-looking countries in the European Union. Equally, if you are interested in economics, medicine or the law as a career you will be able to develop an oral and written competency that will allow you to work in the most important international and national institutions with the sound knowledge and confidence that you will not only stand your ground but also adapt and react flexibly to any communicative situation that your work throws at you. Above all your teaching will be first-rate, delivered by passionate teachers who know from experience what it’s like to learn a foreign language, and will be able to support you through these two life-shaping years.

Entry requirements

Our offers of places into Year 12 are conditional upon a candidate achieving a minimum of six 8s or 9s at GCSE, including Grades 8 or 9 in the subjects proposed for study at A Level.

How you'll be assessed

The course is assessed in four exams, each equally weighted towards the final grade. Speaking: Externally assessed speaking test conducted by a visiting examiner, approximately 16 minutes. Pupils are expected to understand and respond to texts written in the target language, drawn from a variety of sources such as magazines, newspapers, reports, books, and other forms of extended written and spoken material. Reading and Listening: A series of reading and listening exercises, 2 hours 15 minutes. Pupils are expected to manipulate the target language accurately in spoken and written forms to demonstrate an ability to choose appropriate examples of vocabulary and structure. Writing and Usage: Discursive essay in the target language and three grammar usage exercises, 2 hours 15 minutes. Topics covered in preparation for the discursive essay include: human relationships, the generation gap, the media, law and order, equality of opportunity, travel and tourism, war and peace, scientific and technological innovation, conservation. Pupils are expected to select and present information, and to organise their arguments and ideas logically. Topics and Texts: Two extended answers, one in the target language based on a theme and one English commentary or essay on a variety of texts and films, 2 hours 30 minutes.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionSouth East
Local AuthorityOxfordshire
Ofsted Rating
Gender TypeCo-Educational
ISI ReportView Report
Boarding FeeUnknown
Sixth Form Fee£20,976 - £21,777
AddressCowley Place, Oxford, OX4 1DZ