A2 Spanish

Spanish
Why study Spanish AS / A Level?

Did you know that Spanish:
· Is the third most spoken language after Mandarin Chinese and English.
· Is spoken in 23 countries by over 350 million people as a first language and by over 75 million as a second language
· Is one of the official languages of the European Community and the United Nations
· Is the second most widely spoken language of the United States.

Knowledge of a foreign language is highly valued in the world in which we live and is a very useful skill for life or future careers.

Facilities

In addition to regular newspapers and magazines, we have numerous MP3 materials, a video and DVD library, a Language Lab, satellite television, access to the internet and computer software to help you with individual study. Our greatest facility, however, is our highly qualified, committed and enthusiastic staff.

Who is the course for?

This course is meant for students who wish to develop their communication skills in Spanish, gain a greater understanding of how the language works and widen their knowledge of Spain and Latin American Countries.

What Will I Learn on the Course?

Through pair, group and class work and with the help of the Spanish Assistant you will acquire the skills to express your ideas on a whole range of topics ranging from current affairs, social problems, daily life, food and drink, sport and pastimes and the arts.
You will be encouraged to acquire an active interest in the culture and current affairs of Spanish-speaking countries.

Study visit to Spain.

Students from Barton Peveril have the opportunity of participating in our very successful study visit to Valencia which has been running for the last 3 years. Valencia is the home of the most important pagan festival in Spain, Las Fallas, and Barton Peveril students will attend language lessons while enjoying the great fiesta atmosphere.

Courses Content and Method of Assessment

AS Units

Unit 1. Spoken Expression and Response in Spanish. 8-10 minute assessment.
Section A: You respond to questions set by the board on a topic related to your chosen topic area.
Section B: You will then engage in a broader discussion of the chosen topic.

Unit 2. Understanding and Written Response in Spanish. 2 hours 30 mins.
Section A: A listening exam in which you will answer questions on recorded texts.
Section B: A reading exam in which you will be required to answer questions in Spanish on a series of written texts.
Section C: A writing exam in which you will be required to write 200-220 words in the form of a letter, a report or an article.

A2 Units

Unit 3. Understanding and Spoken Response in Spanish. 11-13 Minutes
You will carry out an argument on an issue of your choosing for 5 minutes. The conversation will then extend to related topics.

Unit 4. Research, Understanding and Written Response in Spanish.
Section A: A short written translation.
Section B: A Spanish Language discursive essay.
Section C:A research based essay in which you write 240 -270 words on a subject related to Spanish culture or society.

After the Courses

· After the AS, students can continue Spanish as an A2 where you will explore in depth social issues and more complex language skills. If you continue to A2 level, your AS grade will contribute to your final grade at the end of your second year of study.

· Language skills are of great value in a wide variety of jobs and Spanish is highly sought after by employers especially within the tourist industry.

Subject Combinations

The subject combines well with all other subjects at any level.
Successful students combine Spanish with another language.

Entry Requirements

All students on a full AS / A2 level programme are expected to have at least five GCSEs grades A* to C. These should include at least a grade B in GCSE Spanish.