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Spanish (A-level)Apply Now »
Note - you only need to make one application for A-levels. You can specify the additional A-Levels you wish to study when you fill out the application form
Location: Joseph Wright Centre
Years: 2
Adult Loan Amount: 1987.00****
Interview: Y
Course Summary
This programme allows students to use Spanish for the purpose of communication and enables them to gather, analyse and exchange information and ideas in Spanish.
Entry requirements
You will need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including English Language at grade 5 (C/B) and Maths at grade 4 (C).
In addition, you should have GCSE French at grade 5 [C/B] or above.
You will be expected to demonstrate a keen interest in Spanish-speaking countries and their culture.
A recent school report will be required which demonstrates a committed attitude to learning.
It is assumed that students enrol on a two-year A-level programme of study consisting of three or more subjects. However, students will be expected to demonstrate a committed attitude to learning and make positive progress in their first year of study.
Course Content
A-level course content:
- Social issues and trends
- Political and artistic culture
- Grammar
- Works - literary texts and films
- Individual research project
A-level topics include:
- Multiculturalism in Hispanic society including: immigration, racism and integration.
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Aspects of political life in the Hispanic world including: today’s youth, tomorrow’s citizens, monarchies, republics and dictatorships, and popular movements.
How will I be assessed?
The A-level exams in Spanish include questions that allow students to demonstrate their ability to:
- draw together their knowledge, skills and understanding from across the full course of study
- provide extended responses.
The exam board is AQA.
A-level assessment
Paper 1: Listening, reading and writing (2 hours 30 minutes, 100 marks, 50% of A-level)
Paper 2: Writing (2 hours, 80 marks in total, 20% of A-level)
Paper 3: Speaking (21–23 minutes including 5 minutes preparation time, 60 marks in total, 30% of A-level)
Are there any additional costs or specialist equipment required?
No
What can I do after this course?
You may need languages for all sorts of career destinations - doctors, psychologists and physiotherapists need language skills to communicate effectively with patients whether they work in the UK or overseas. Business people, bankers and entrepreneurs all need language skills to make deals and sell products on the global market.
Politicians, historians, geographers and holiday reps all need language skills to get to know the people and area that they are passionate about. In addition, careers in teaching, translating/interpreting, journalism, importing/exporting and catering will all require advanced level language skills.
A foreign language A-level will complement and enhance your other studies too.
Note - you only need to make one application for A-levels. You can specify the additional A-Levels you wish to study when you fill out the application form
Did you find the course information on this page useful?
Emily Gray
Peak Award Winner Emily now studying for master’s in Australia
Former Peak Award winner Emily Gray was motivated to achieve “more than she ever thought she was capable of” while studying for A levels at Derby College.
And, since leaving Joseph Wright Centre 10 years ago, she has quite literally gone a long way – to university in Melbourne, Australia, to take a Master of Education degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis.
Now 27, Emily received a Peak Award for Academic Studies after performing well in her sociology, history and psychology A levels and EPQ, the Extended Project Qualification.
While on her psychology degree course at the University of Leeds, Emily embarked on a study year at Monash University in Melbourne.
And, since graduating, she has taught English in Peru, volunteered and worked in Sri Lanka and travelled in Australia before settling in Melbourne with her partner.
Currently studying for her master’s at Monash University, Emily also works as a site manager at a centre-based intervention service based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) for pre-school aged children on the autism spectrum. She ultimately wants to become a clinical psychologist or clinical director of an agency providing ABA.
Commenting on her Peak Award in 2009, Emily added that it was “really unexpected and a huge honour.” She included the award in her CV and found it was “something she was able to talk about in interviews.”
My lecturers were fantastic! They were really passionate about their subject, particularly psychology lecturer Glyn Pickering, who motivated me and pushed me to achieve more than I thought I was capable of.
I also got great support at Derby College in applying for university and higher education. I was able to go on a residential trip to experience Oxford University, and received specialist and individual help with my application, personal statement and interview preparation.
