Spanish

Exam Board: Edexcel Syllabus: A-level: 9SP0 Consult: Miss Hardy

WHY STUDY THE SUBJECT? We believe languages should appeal to all students. The A-level in Spanish has been developed to inspire all students who have an appreciation of the language, literature, film and culture of the Spanish-speaking world. Students will gain an advanced level of knowledge and understanding of the Spanish language, the culture of Spain and other hispanic countries, as well as practical and valuable language and transferable study skills. The skills will help to prepare students for higher education and enhance their employability profile.

CONTENT AND BREAKDOWN There are 4 themes to be covered for the full A-level. Each theme also covers several sub-topics. The main themes are: • Theme 1: The evolution of Spanish society • Theme 2: Political and artistic culture in

Spanish speaking countries • Theme 3: Immigration and the Spanish multicultural society • Theme 4: Franco’s dictatorship and the transition to democracy

In Year 12, students study themes 1 and 2. In Year 13, students study themes 3 and 4.

As part of the A level course, students study two works. Currently students are studying the film ‘Volver’ by Pedro Almodóvar and the novel La Casa de Bernada Alba by Federico García Lorca.

ASSESSMENT UNITS FOR A-level • Paper 1: Listening, Reading and

Translation - 2 hours, 40% of qualification • Paper 2: Written response to works and

Translation – 2 hours 40 minutes, 30% of qualification • Paper 3: Speaking – 30% of qualification EXTRACURRICULAR There will be an introduction to Spanish Cinema at The BFI in London.

AFTER ASHCOMBE Spanish is one of the main European languages and is the third most widelyspoken Language in the world. It is valued in combination with many other skills and subject areas, including science, technology, the arts and commerce. Students with a good pass at A-level have access to a wide range of interesting career options in tourism, banking, law, exports and within multi-national companies with many opportunities for travel and work both in the UK and around the world.

PROFILE: ALEX

WHY DID YOU JOIN ASHCOMBE SIXTH FORM? I’ve been in Ashcombe since Year 9 when I moved from Italy. They’ve supported me during that transitory stage of my life in ways which I’m still discovering today and the bonds and connections that I’ve created with both classmates and teachers are invaluable to me. It was only logical that I’d remain in the Ashcombe. I was also encouraged by my older siblings who both also went to Ashcombe and ended up going to great universities thanks to the excellent support and guidance provided. Now as a member of the Sixth Form I can feel that support is even better.

HOW IS SIXTH FORM DIFFERENT TO SCHOOL? I feel the Sixth Form encourages a sense of autonomy and freedom both physically and academically, there is a lot more discussion in the classroom in an effort to develop one’s individual thought, which in my opinion is a stark difference from GCSE, there’s a lot more independence. However, I believe the Ashcombe Sixth Form is different from other schools in their ability to keep their distance and allow a student to flourish while also guiding them down the most effective and beneficial route to achieve their dreams.

HOW DID YOU PICK WHICH SUBJECTS TO STUDY? I want to go into law and most universities suggest I take mainly essay subjects for a law degree, so I thought, what subjects would help for law that were essay subjects? Luckily all the subjects I chose, I already had a passion for: History, English, Politics, but also a personal choice being Classical Civilisation which complements English and my interest in ancient Greek and Roman society.

HOW HAVE YOU FELT SUPPORTED IN THE SIXTH FORM? The support I feel in the Sixth Form is a mixture between a community ethos that has been emphasised and encouraged by Mr. Blackband and Miss Vellucci, and also a more personal and individual relationship fostered between students and staff, which allows students to confide with them on any issue serious or elementary with no judgement or criticism.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE SIXTH FORM LIFE? There are many words to describe Sixth Form life, but I think the word ‘Rollercoaster’ would be most accurate, continually changing and evolving with ups and downs. One day you are on top of the world because all your hard work has paid off and you’ve got a 30 out of 30 on an essay, while the next day you can’t wait for the week to be over because you have 2 coursework’s due in tomorrow whilst having to revise for an exam as well. However, even on the worst of days, you always know there will be some member of staff to lift your spirits or a friend to help you revise for that test.

“my older siblings who both also went to Ashcombe and ended up going to great universities thanks to the excellent support and guidance provided by the Ashcombe”