Spanish

Spanish A level is taught to Monmouth School for Boys and Monmouth School for Girls within the Modern Foreign Languages departments, following the same examination specification.

Click here for more information about Modern Foreign Languages at Monmouth School for Girls

Why study Spanish A level?

With over 400 million Spanish speakers, official status in 21 countries and ranked as the second most spoken language in the world in terms of native speakers, Spanish is consistently seen as one of the most important languages to learn. Studying Spanish offers students a vast range of diverse cultures and countries to explore, across several continents. With many Spanish countries experiencing vast economic growth and becoming world trade partners, many businesses are now increasingly favouring job candidates with Spanish skills.

Hispanic culture is renowned for having a rich, historic and cultural heritage such as fine art, literature, gastronomy, cinema and music. With a diverse range of eminent Scientists and Inventors, studying Spanish allows you to access the arts as well as the sciences.

Spanish has tremendous kudos with both universities and employers and can be combined with all other courses at
university in the UK including Law and Medicine. Spanish graduates are highly employable as language communication skills are well-respected and sought after in this increasingly global age, with a demand for Spanish speakers in the world of commerce, politics and academia.

Throughout the course, students will broaden their understanding of modern day Spain as well as current global issues. They will also absorb an understanding of Spanish history, literature and the rich cultural differences of the Spanish-speaking world. Students will learn to express opinions, analyse themes and develop clear and justified arguments.

If you are interested in exploring the Hispanic world, studying the challenges facing Spaniards today or enhancing your future travel experiences, then Spanish is the subject for you.

Head of Department: Mrs H English

Curriculum

Course content

Board: AQA A level Syllabus Code: 7692

You will study the following topics in class using a variety of up to date resources: text books, video, listening, articles, websites, songs, etc.

Social issues and trends including: Modern and traditional values, Cyberspace & Equal rights.
Artistic culture: Modern day idols, Spanish regional identity, cultural heritage or landscape.
Aspects of Political life: today’s youth, tomorrow’s citizens, Monarchies & Dictatorships, Popular movements.

In addition, you will study one film and one text.

Method of assessment

Paper 1 – Listening, reading and writing: 2.5 hours. 100 marks (50% of A level)

Listening and reading comprehensions.
Writing: Two summaries.
Translation: Spanish into English and English into Spanish.

Paper 2 – Writing: 2 hours. 80 marks (20% of A level)
Two essays: one on film and one on literature.

Paper 3 – Oral: 21-23 minutes. 60 marks (30% of A level)

5 minutes: Structured discussion based on a stimulus card (5 mins prep time).
2 minutes: Presentation on an individual research project, followed by a 10 minute discussion.