Spanish

STATEMENT OF INTENT FOR SPANISH

Language students at Charters School will be equipped with the skills necessary to interact in everyday situations in French and Spanish-speaking countries. They will be confident communicators, capable of articulating ideas, desires and needs in various contexts. They will appreciate the value of language-learning and understand more about the cultures of the languages studied. This understanding will help them develop a greater sense of their own identity and appreciate the values and diversity of local and global communities. Through language-learning, they will develop a range of soft skills, including independence, resilience, research and teamwork.

COURSE DETAILS

Paper 1: Listening, reading and translation

Paper 1 is based on four themes: the evolution of Spanish society; political and artistic culture of the Spanish-speaking world; immigration and multicultural society in Spain; the Franco dictatorship and the transition to democracy.

Paper 2: written response to works and translation

Students study a literary text (Como Agua Para Chocolate) and a film (Volver).

Paper 3: Speaking

Paper 3 is based on four themes: the evolution of Spanish society; political and artistic culture of the Spanish-speaking world; immigration and multicultural society in Spain; the Franco dictatorship and the transition to democracy. There is also an independent research project.

COMPLEMENTARY SUBJECTS

A-level Spanish is a vibrant course that attracts students with a wide range of interests. Therefore, it combines well with any other subject on the curriculum. A-level students combine Spanish with any other subject, from Music to Mathematics and Biology to Sociology. Those with a scientific or mathematical mind often appreciate the logic of the grammar. Those who study English Literature and other discursive subjects usually excel when presenting ideas verbally or on paper. The study of languages is highly regarded by top academic universities, including Oxbridge, and can also work well as a third subject for prospective students of Medicine or Law..

FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

By studying a foreign language at A-level, students are able to add some highly desirable skills to their set. These include enhanced problem-solving skills, improved verbal abilities, enhanced memory, flexible and creative thinking, and greater cultural awareness. All of these are highly attractive to potential employers, especially when combined with a sound command of an evergrowing world language. In addition, students of Spanish are equally at ease working independently or in a team, according to the demands of the task in hand. By choosing to study Spanish at university, students open up a range of professional and personal possibilities, including living and working abroad. It can lead to a wide variety of career paths, which may include the media, law, politics, civil service, marketing and public relations. At degree level, Spanish is offered in combination with a vast number of other subjects, such as international management, accounting, film studies, business, global communications, and film and television, to name but a few.

BE INSPIRED BY EXPLORING FURTHER

https://www.bbc.com/mundo - Spanish-language news stories from around the world

https://www.practicaespanol.com/ - quirky Spanish-language news stories, most with sound files, video links and language activities

https://www.ver-taal.com/ - language activities based on authentic Spanish adverts, trailers, news reports and songs

Create a playlist of Spanish-language songs on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, etc

The New Spaniards, John Hooper - fantastic guide to modern Spanish history and culture, available on Amazon

Homage to Catalonia - George Orwell’s classic account of his involvement in the Spanish Civil War

Los Funerales de la Mamá Grande, Gabriel García Márquez - collection of short stories by the legendary Colombian author.