Spanish AS / A Level

A Level

In Scarborough

Price on request

Description

  • Type

    A Level

  • Location

    Scarborough

  • Duration

    2 Years

It is becoming increasingly important to become proficient in a modern foreign language and there are many career opportunities open to those who wish to combine a study of a foreign language alongside another subject such as Business Studies or Law. There is no doubt that the ability to communicate well in a foreign language increases self confidence. Also, it is very impressive and, even.

Important information

Government funding available

Facilities

Location

Start date

Scarborough (North Yorkshire)
See map
Sandybed Lane, YO12 5LF

Start date

On request

About this course

Yes. You must have successfully completed GCSE Spanish to study at AS level.

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Course programme


SPANISH AS / A LEVEL
It is becoming increasingly important to become proficient in a modern foreign language and there are many career opportunities open to those who wish to combine a study of a foreign language alongside another subject such as Business Studies or Law. There is no doubt that the ability to communicate well in a foreign language increases self confidence. Also, it is very impressive and, even merely through the transference of those skills necessary for language acquisition, unlocks doors to a world of new experiences and makes you very desirable as a possible employee.

The aim of the AS and A Level in Spanish is to increase and expand your knowledge and understanding of the language and way of life of the country where it is spoken. This will be done in a topical and flexible way, so as to complement other courses you may be studying, as well as being interesting courses in their own right.

Are there any special requirements?

In addition, taking the study of a language to Advanced level can be very stimulating and rewarding, but also very demanding, so we would normally expect you to have achieved Grade A or B at GCSE before starting an AS course. However, students who work hard can still achieve good results and, if you have Grade C at GCSE and still wish to study Advanced Spanish, come and talk to us and discuss that possibility. Students having studied a GCSE Short Course need to consult with the Head of Department in the first instance.

What and how will I be studying? AS - Year 1
The course in the Lower Sixth covers the themes of Media, Popular Culture, Healthy Living and Family and Relationships in the context of Spain and other countries where Spanish is spoken. This course builds on those topics covered at GCSE level and will increase your confidence and overall linguistic skills.

A2 - Year 2
The Upper Sixth continues to develop your skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing through the wider, more international topics of the Environment, Multicultural Society and other Social Issues. In addition, you will examine the works of a famous playwright and film director through the medium of Spanish in your Cultural Project.

In both AS and A2 courses, you will learn by using the Internet, satellite television, our new purpose-built ICT suite, through group and individual listening activities, role play, memorising, tasks to develop your reading skills and, especially, through conversation in a small group with a native Spanish Assistant. You will read and listen to a variety of texts, including stories, magazines, newspaper articles, podcasts and YouTube. Creative work may include acting, composing poems, writing letters or stories and making recordings. You will learn to become much more independent in your study.

Please note that the Syllabus and Examination Board are the same for French, German and Spanish and therefore topics do overlap. We follow the AQA specification.

What skills will I need and be developing during the course?
As with any subject, if you work hard, you will do well. Enthusiasm and determination will also help!

You will learn how to develop skills of communication and comprehension as well as learn how to complain, persuade, convince, put forward and defend a viewpoint, tell a joke or anecdote or make a brief presentation. You will learn how to discuss ideas contained in songs and films, news items, advertisements, poems and plays; you will learn how to construct short creative or discursive pieces of writing. All that you do will support your development of Key Skills in English and IT. Students of foreign languages at this level develop highly valued skills of translation, the ability to contribute to discussion and initiate conversations and to explore, develop, exchange and derive information.

How is the Course assessed?
The two units which make up the AS are taken in the summer term of the lower sixth and involve assessing the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. The speaking test consists of discussing issues given on a card, which develops into an open-ended conversation based on the topics covered in the course. In the upper sixth the same skills are assessed through two exams, and you will be questioned on your cultural project and asked to give and defend your point of view on one of a range of subjects. There is no externally assessed coursework. Regular monitoring of your work keeps you informed with how you are doing. You will learn in a friendly atmosphere where we help you to do your best.

What career opportunities are there?
Students of foreign languages are in demand. There are opportunities, though, not just in the specific sphere of linguistic study, but also in combination with other subject areas: Law, Business Studies, Economics and the media. Institutions and employers are also interested in the transferable skills acquired by students of languages: travel, tourism, teaching, interpreting, translating are specific careers, but an advanced knowledge of languages can open doors for you in ANY career - not just through using it or working in that country, but also because of the general skills which you will have developed through studying them. Statistics [provided by University of Leeds and University of Bangor show that students with a degree in languages are amongst those with the best job prospects on leaving university. In fact, nearly three quarters of employers actively recruit new staff with an ability to speak a second or third language. [CILT]

...and what else?
We visit the theatre, cinema and language days and courses at universities and other institutions. Most importantly, many students have participated in our exchange scheme with schools in Granada in sunny Andalusia. Those who have done so have described it as one of their most enjoyable and useful experiences overall!

Spanish AS / A Level

Price on request