Spanish AS Level

Spanish AS/A Level
English & Liberal Arts
Board and Syllabus details
Board: AQA - Syllabus: AS Level (5696), A Level (6696)
About the subject
The main aims are to help you communicate confidently, clearly and effectively in Spanish through both the written and spoken word; to develop your understanding of the spoken and written forms of Spanish; to help you develop critical insights into and contact with, the contemporary society, cultural background and heritage of Spain and Latin-American countries.
At AS level, activities are based on the following topic areas - media (television, advertising and communication technology), popular culture (cinema, music, fashion/trends), healthy living/lifestyle (sport/exercise, health and well-being, holidays) and family/relationships (friendships, marriage, partnerships).
At A2 level activities are based on the following areas: the environment (pollution, energy, protecting the planet), the multicultural society (immigration, integration, racism), contemporary social issues (wealth and poverty, law and order, impact of scientific and technological progress). There is also an in-depth study of two cultural topics: a contemporary issue about history and a Spanish contemporary author.

Learning Styles
Much use of Spanish in classroom, most lessons include a variety of activities - expect the opportunity to speak in pair or group work, listening to tapes, exercises to increase vocabulary, oral presentations, explanation and revision of grammar, short written tasks and pronunciation exercises. There will be a weekly lesson in the SALC (Self Access Language Centre), and a weekly lesson with an assistant, in both of which work is based on the topic areas listed above.
Subject combinations and progression
Useful with all combinations, but particularly Science, Mathematics, Business Studies, Politics, Art; essential for any student considering an Erasmus programme in HE; almost all students who take a language at degree level study it as part of a package. e.g. European Studies and Spanish, Law and Spanish, Chemistry and Spanish.
Subject modules and assessment
AS Level
1. Unit 1 - 2 hour exam including listening and reading comprehension and a written essay. (70% AS-35% A2)
2. Unit 2 - 15 minute oral exam in two parts with 20 minutes preparation time.(30% AS-15% A2)
A2 Level
3. Unit 3 - 2 hours 30 minutes including listening and reading comprehension and a written essay. (35% A2)
4. Unit 4 - 15 minute oral exam in two parts with 20 minutes preparation time. (15% A2)

Entry Requirements

B in Spanish preferred.