Spanish

Course type: A level
Awarding/exam body: Pearson Edexcel

Do you want to communicate confidently in Spain and throughout Latin America?

Are you inspired by the dynamic world of Spanish-language films, books, and cultural traditions?

Taking Spanish at A level gives you access to a fascinating and diverse heritage while opening up exciting opportunities for travel, careers, and further education around the world. A level Spanish has been developed to inspire students who have an appreciation of the language, literature, film and culture of Spanish speakers. You’ll learn the Spanish language through studying a range of social issues and trends, such as the changes to family life in Spain, education and tourism, politics and culture (festivals and traditions, music, and media).

You’ll also delve into Spain’s long history, studying immigration, the Spanish Civil War, Franco and the journey from dictatorship to democracy. You’ll study a set film, El Laberinto del Fauno by Guillermo del Toro, and a book, La Casa de Bernarda Alba by Federico García Lorca which will be assessed through a target language essay. You’ll also have the opportunity to carry out an independent research project which will be assessed within the Speaking exam.

LANGUAGES AT SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER

Languages can be combined with any other subject to add an international dimension to your studies and your future career. The rest of the world most definitely does not “always speak English”.  At university, the Turing Scheme lets you study for a year abroad at a European university – whatever main subject you are taking. Few UK students can do this, because they usually do not have the language skills, but with an A level in a language you will be in a much stronger position to study art in Italy or politics in Spain or law in France.

OTHER LANGUAGES Speakers of other languages who can prove their competence at GCSE standard can be entered for A level examinations.

NATIVE SPEAKERS Native speakers of any of the languages that we offer (Italian, French, Spanish and Portuguese) with no GCSE qualification can still join the course provided their competence in the language is tested and discussed with the subject teacher and the Head of Department.