What is the course about?

The aims of the course are to integrate the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing in the development of linguistic competence to a high level. It is aimed at students who have acquired a sound competence in Spanish and are keen to nurture it further. Students will study technological and social change, looking at the multicultural nature of Hispanic society. They will study Hispanic artistic culture, including a focus on Spanish regional identity and cultural heritage. They will learn about aspects of the diverse political landscape of the Hispanic world. Students will explore the influence of the past on present-day Hispanic communities. 

Course content

Social issues and trends 

Students study the themes and sub-themes below in relation to at least one Spanish-speaking country. 

Students study the themes and sub-themes using a range of sources, including material from online media. 

• Aspects of Hispanic society 
  – Modern and traditional values (Los valores tradicionales y modernos). 
  – Cyberspace (El ciberespacio). 
  – Equal rights (La igualdad de los sexos). 
• Multi-culturalism in Hispanic society
  – Immigration (La Inmigración). 
  – Racism (El Racismo). 
  – Integration (La Convivencia). 

Political and artistic culture 

• Artistic culture in the Hispanic world 
  – Modern day idols (La influencia de los ídolos). 
  – Spanish regional identity (La identidad regional en España). 
  – Cultural heritage or cultural landscape (El patrimonio cultural). 
• Aspects of political life in the Hispanic world 
  – Today’s youth, tomorrow’s citizens (Jóvenes de hoy, ciudadanos de mañana). 
  – Monarchies, republics and dictatorships (Monarquías, repúblicas y dictaduras). 
  – Popular movements (Movimientos populares).
• Literary texts and films
  Students study either one text and one film, or two texts, from a list. 

Assessment

• Paper 1 – 2 hour 30 minute written exam (listening, reading and writing). 40%
• Paper 2 – 2 hour written exam. 30%
• Paper 3 – 21-23 minute oral exam. 30%

Career pathways

An aptitude for languages is widely recognised as being of great importance and languages can be combined with most subjects at degree level. The facility to speak a second European language is considered to be a notable asset when applying for a role in almost every field of employment.

Entry criteria

Minimum of grade 6 in GCSE Spanish.