Spanish is currently the fourth most widely spoken language in the world and is the official language in 21 countries. Simply by learning Spanish you will broaden your job prospects and be able to earn yourself a ticket to travel and work confidently in the Spanish-speaking world. Just as importantly, being able to understand and communicate in Spanish will allow you to explore and enjoy the different cultural ideas and perspectives offered by friends and through films, music, media, politics and more. As your understanding of word meanings and usage develops you will also discover and better appreciate the nuances and biases inherent within. Learning Spanish will also improve your understanding of English and help with your other studies. Language learning challenges you to find connections, use your memory, analyse structure and differentiate meaning; and developing these communication and problem-solving skills has an impact on your overall approach to learning. Spanish is a very accessible and attractive Romance language derived from Latin. Once you have mastered it you will easily be able to pick up other Latin-based languages like French and Italian. You will learn the skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) necessary to express yourself fluently in Spanish. In both AS and A level students will develop their language skills by exploring a range of social, political and cultural issues relating to Spain and Spanish-speaking countries, outlined below. A-level students will also study a literary text and/or film. Theme 1: La evolución de la sociedad española (The development of Spanish society) In this theme, you will explore certain aspects of Spanish society and social values. How have attitudes towards family, relationships and marriage changed? What is the labour market like in Spain and what job opportunities does it offer? Is tourism a healthy industry to get into and what impact does it have on people’s well-being, employment and the environment? Theme 2: La cultura política y artística en el mundo hispanohablante (Political and cultural values, attitudes and beliefs across the Spanish-speaking world) This theme provides a genuine excuse to listen to some great music from across the world so you can discuss its impact on contemporary culture. You will also get a chance to discover a wealth of festivals, fiestas, costumes and traditions from many of the Spanish-speaking countries and communities. Globalisation has dramatically changed the way we communicate and share ideas today. You will examine how media – like TV, the internet and social media (blogs, videos, podcasts, newsletters, eBooks etc.) – has affected the social and political make-up of Spanish-speaking communities across the world. Literature and film Students will explore classic literature by authors like Gabriel García Márquez and Laura Esquivel, works by major playwrights like Federico García Lorca and cult films by the likes of Pedro Almodóvar, in this part of their course. Students study two works from the lists below: two literary texts, or one literary text and one film. Literary texts Bodas de sangre, Federico García Lorca,1932 (play) Como agua para chocolate, Laura Esquivel,1989 (novel) El coronel no tiene quien le escriba, Gabriel García Márquez,1961 (novella) La casa de Bernarda Alba, Federico García Lorca,1936 (play) Nada, Carmen Laforet,1943 (novel) Primera memoria, Ana María Matute 1959 (novel) Réquiem por un campesino español, Ramón J. Sender, 1953 (novella) Films Diarios de motocicleta, dir. Walter Salles (2004) El laberinto del fauno, dir. Guillermo del Toro (2006) La lengua de las mariposas, dir.José Luis Cuerda (1999) La misma luna, dir. Patricia Riggen (2007) Mar adentro, dir. Alejandro Amenábar (2004) También la lluvia, dir. Icíar Bollaín (2010) Volver, dir. Pedro Almodóvar (2006)
Students who continue to Year 12 at Ashbourne are expected to be able to gain a minimum of 6 grades 6s (or equivalent) for their GCSE results and must have a determination to work towards their academic potential.
About Education Provider
| Region | London |
| Local Authority | Kensington and Chelsea |
| Ofsted Rating | Outstanding |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Unknown |
| Sixth Form Fee | £32,250 - £34,500 |
| Address | 17 Old Court Place, Kensington, London, W8 4PL |
Spanish is currently the fourth most widely spoken language in the world and is the official language in 21 countries. Simply by learning Spanish you will broaden your job prospects and be able to earn yourself a ticket to travel and work confidently in the Spanish-speaking world. Just as importantly, being able to understand and communicate in Spanish will allow you to explore and enjoy the different cultural ideas and perspectives offered by friends and through films, music, media, politics and more. As your understanding of word meanings and usage develops you will also discover and better appreciate the nuances and biases inherent within. Learning Spanish will also improve your understanding of English and help with your other studies. Language learning challenges you to find connections, use your memory, analyse structure and differentiate meaning; and developing these communication and problem-solving skills has an impact on your overall approach to learning. Spanish is a very accessible and attractive Romance language derived from Latin. Once you have mastered it you will easily be able to pick up other Latin-based languages like French and Italian. You will learn the skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) necessary to express yourself fluently in Spanish. In both AS and A level students will develop their language skills by exploring a range of social, political and cultural issues relating to Spain and Spanish-speaking countries, outlined below. A-level students will also study a literary text and/or film. Theme 1: La evolución de la sociedad española (The development of Spanish society) In this theme, you will explore certain aspects of Spanish society and social values. How have attitudes towards family, relationships and marriage changed? What is the labour market like in Spain and what job opportunities does it offer? Is tourism a healthy industry to get into and what impact does it have on people’s well-being, employment and the environment? Theme 2: La cultura política y artística en el mundo hispanohablante (Political and cultural values, attitudes and beliefs across the Spanish-speaking world) This theme provides a genuine excuse to listen to some great music from across the world so you can discuss its impact on contemporary culture. You will also get a chance to discover a wealth of festivals, fiestas, costumes and traditions from many of the Spanish-speaking countries and communities. Globalisation has dramatically changed the way we communicate and share ideas today. You will examine how media – like TV, the internet and social media (blogs, videos, podcasts, newsletters, eBooks etc.) – has affected the social and political make-up of Spanish-speaking communities across the world. Literature and film Students will explore classic literature by authors like Gabriel García Márquez and Laura Esquivel, works by major playwrights like Federico García Lorca and cult films by the likes of Pedro Almodóvar, in this part of their course. Students study two works from the lists below: two literary texts, or one literary text and one film. Literary texts Bodas de sangre, Federico García Lorca,1932 (play) Como agua para chocolate, Laura Esquivel,1989 (novel) El coronel no tiene quien le escriba, Gabriel García Márquez,1961 (novella) La casa de Bernarda Alba, Federico García Lorca,1936 (play) Nada, Carmen Laforet,1943 (novel) Primera memoria, Ana María Matute 1959 (novel) Réquiem por un campesino español, Ramón J. Sender, 1953 (novella) Films Diarios de motocicleta, dir. Walter Salles (2004) El laberinto del fauno, dir. Guillermo del Toro (2006) La lengua de las mariposas, dir.José Luis Cuerda (1999) La misma luna, dir. Patricia Riggen (2007) Mar adentro, dir. Alejandro Amenábar (2004) También la lluvia, dir. Icíar Bollaín (2010) Volver, dir. Pedro Almodóvar (2006)
Students who continue to Year 12 at Ashbourne are expected to be able to gain a minimum of 6 grades 6s (or equivalent) for their GCSE results and must have a determination to work towards their academic potential.