Spanish

Exam Board: Edexcel Syllabus: A-level: 9SP0 Consult: Mrs 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: La evolución de la sociedad española • Theme 2: La cultura política y artística en el mundo de habla española • Theme 3: La inmigración y la sociedad multicultural española • Theme 4: La dictadura franquista y la transición a la democracia

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

Students will be required to study TWO works for the full A-level. 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: ELLIE

WHY DID YOU JOIN ASHCOMBE SIXTH FORM?

I joined the Ashcombe 6th Form because I had attended French lessons in Ashcombe every Monday after school during my GCSEs as my school hadn’t offered it. I loved the people and all the teachers were very helpful and willing to support me in every way. When I had to choose a Sixth Form, I knew I wanted to go to Ashcombe because I enjoyed the school atmosphere and it had all the courses that I wanted to study.

HOW IS SIXTH FORM DIFFERENT TO SCHOOL?

Sixth Form is very different to main school. Not only do we study 3 to 4 subjects and have greater independent study time, but there is a really close knit community. The teachers are really focused on you individually as a student, to help you achieve the best possible outcome for yourself, whether that is at a university or an apprenticeship.

HOW HAVE YOU FELT SUPPORTED IN THE SIXTH FORM? WHAT TRIP OPPORTUNITIES HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED?

I recently attended an Insight Day at Canary Wharf with KPMG to get a feel for what it would be like to work for them. I had also been given the chance to go to Romania to do charity work which I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend to anyone looking for a lifetime experience. There are so many amazing trips available depending on your subjects.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW?

Having loved my time in the Sixth Form I am now studying my degree in Holland at Maastricht University.

My teachers are easily able to support me if I have any questions regarding school work or just the school in general. The Ashcombe School also offers several careers evenings and university evenings throughout the year. Every Friday, we have a ‘Talks programme’ where guests from all kinds of industries come to the school to talk about what they are passionate about and hopefully give us ideas about what we could be interested in moving forward. There is always lots of support if things start to get stressful!

“I had also been given the chance to go to Romania to do charity work which I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend to anyone looking for a lifetime experience.”