Spanish

Course summary

The French and Spanish A-Level courses won’t just improve your language skills. It will give you a fascinating insight into the culture of either country explored through history, art, literature, cinema and current affairs, using the very latest authentic resources. This will enable you to develop a deep understanding of the importance of French/Spanish-speaking countries to the UK and on the global stage. It will also prepare you well for any University course as you will: - discuss points of view and debate ideas - develop critical and analytical skills - build relationships and networks - conduct and present a research project independently - write well-structured essays expressing opinions supported by relevant evidence You will consolidate your grammatical understanding and develop your communication skills, building fluency and confidence. You will deepen your understanding of the culture of the countries where French or Spanish is spoken. You will explore aspects of social trends, artistic culture, social issues and political culture, as well as one film and one literary text in detail. You will also research one subject of interest to you for your Speaking exam. You will benefit from working in small groups, so you will have plenty of opportunities to practise and receive high quality personalised feedback. We use a variety of authentic resources (press articles, literature, television, film, songs), and you will have access to an excellent online resource bank in school and at home. You will develop your speaking skills and confidence in weekly sessions with our Foreign Language Assistant, timetabled during one of your independent study periods. You will be encouraged to take part in a range of enrichment activities such as conferences at Oxford University and our Homestay trip to France or Spain which will allow you to establish a network of international contacts and friendships.