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A Level

Spanish

This is a highly respected A Level leading to a wide range of career options as it develops communication and independent study skills. We offer fantastic facilities and resources at Carmel including a state of the art language lab. There are opportunities to travel abroad to Spain as well as outstanding support including lessons with friendly native speakers.

Entry Requirements

GCSE grade 5 in Spanish* PLUS GCSE grade 5 in English Language

*From the higher tier paper

Exam Board Specification

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Course Leaflet

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What you will study

You will continue to practise listening, reading, writing and speaking in Spanish, but to a higher level, with much more interesting topics focusing on the culture of Spain and Latin America.

Study a range of topics covering different aspects of Spanish society and culture
Analyse text and films as part of the written exam
Carry out a research project on an aspect of Hispanic culture to discuss in the speaking exam
Attend weekly conversation classes

Assessments

There are internal assessments to track your progress as well as three external examinations at the end of your second year:

Component 1 – Speaking (30%)
Component 2 – Reading, Listening and Translation (50%)
Component 3 – Essay writing: Text (La casa de Bernarda Alba) / Film (Las 13 Rosas) (20%)

Course Support

Small group sessions with a native speaker to improve speaking skills
Weekly tutorials to improve grammar, reading, writing and comprehension skills
A weekly ‘Stretch and Challenge’ session for more able linguists
Regular revision sessions before exams
High Achievers+ support with applications to competitive universities

Enrichment Activities

Visit Spain and immerse yourself in the language and culture
HA+ sessions on an introduction to linguistics in Spanish
Careers talks and advice from universities and former students
Guest speakers from Spain to deliver sessions on the Civil War and Spanish festivals

Find out about Spanish work experience in Alicante

Progression

Students in recent years have gone to university, studying languages by themselves or combined with other subjects, such as business, management, law, administration, ICT, engineering, international marketing and journalism. The choice is endless!

Carmel College's A Level Spanish students take part in international work experience placements

Career Opportunities

Some examples include interpreters, translators, MFL teachers, international lawyers, risk analysts, broadcast journalists, diplomatic service workers, international marketing executives, international travel consultants and many more.

Students from Carmel College complete week of international work experience placements in Alicante, Spain.

I enjoyed doing Spanish. To be able to learn another language and learn about their culture is an amazing experience.

I loved studying the literature and film side of the topic as the themes covered in them really interest me.

I would say the best part about doing Spanish was the support I received from both my classmates and teaching staff. I am grateful that I was able to take this course because being able to speak another language will provide me with so many opportunities.

Ellie Fitzpatrick

St Julie's Catholic High

The Spanish department at Carmel have been extremely helpful in facilitating opportunities and experiences which have prepared me for my exams.

The overwhelming support provided by Dan and Sandra have made me a more confident Spanish speaker. There are opportunities to not only develop your language skills, but develop in depth knowledge of the culture.

Weekly conversation classes provide regular opportunities to practice and converse to a higher level. Designated revision spaces such as the language lab and the language study hub provide a quiet and calm atmosphere to revise.

Jack Lawson, Spanish

Rainhill High