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Helston Community College

Spanish

Is this course for me?
Are you keen to learn more about other cultures and to communicate confidently with other people? Do you have the drive to discover more about the language of the country and its grammar? Do you wish to travel widely and to gain experience of the world? Are you happy to work with others and discuss your progress with your tutors and fellow course students? If so, A Level Spanish could be the course for you! You will also be able to work independently when necessary.
 
What qualifications do I need?
Normally GCSE grade 6 or higher in the language. When necessary, decisions will be based on attitude and commitment in Years 10 and 11 and in discussion with your tutors.
 
What does the course involve?
The AQA A level in Spanish helps students develop confident, effective communication skills in Spanish and a thorough understanding of the culture of countries and communities where Spanish is spoken. It develops an interest in, and enthusiasm for, language learning and encourages students to consider their study of the language in a broader context. The study of literature and film will allow you to undertake a deeper analysis of language structures and increase your cultural awareness as part of an integrated approach to language learning.
 
The requirement to research an area of personal interest related to the country / communities where Spanish is spoken will also enhance your cultural appreciation and enable you to gain a greater awareness of intercultural differences. You will study:
  • Aspects of Hispanic society
  • Artistic culture in the Hispanic world
  • Multiculturalism in Hispanic society
  • Aspects of political life in Hispanic society

How will I be assessed?
Paper 1: Listening, Reading and Writing - 2 hours 30 minutes - 50% of A level including translations from Spanish to English, and English to Spanish.
 
Paper 2: Writing -2 hours - 20% of A level including two essays one on the film and one on the novel studied.
 
Paper 3: Speaking - 21 -23 minutes - 30% of A level including discussion of a stimulus card and presentation and discussion of individual research project.

What can I do afterwards?
With a qualification in languages you could go on to Higher Education or directly into employment. There are numerous possible career paths and employment amongst languages graduates is very high compared to other subjects. Did you know that languages graduates have one of the highest employment rates, more than any other graduates after medicine and dentistry? However, you don't have to do a degree in languages for it to be useful.
 
Here are just some of the areas in which languages can help: Accountancy, Advertising, Banking, Civil Service, Diplomatic Service, Export marketing, purchasing and selling, Hotels and catering, Insurance, Journalism, Librarianship, Management Consultancy, Museums, Publishing, Secretarial work, Shipping services, Teaching, Television and Radio, and Travel and Tourism.