Spanish

Applications Open: - Now

Applications Close: - Friday 13th February 2026 (This is the official deadline, when planning for the new timetable will begin; however, applications may still be accepted after this date.)

Entry Requirements: - 6 GCSE passes at Grade 5+, including a minimum of Grade 5 in Mathematics and English.

How to Apply: - Apply via KentChoices

Why study this subject?

Spanish is a language that is widely spoken across the globe as well as in one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. In studying Spanish at A Level you will not only be able to develop your linguistic skills but also deepen your knowledge of a fascinating country that has recently gone from civil war, through dictatorship, to democracy. You will find that Spain has a rich and varied culture that goes far beyond bullfighting, paella and the Costa del Sol.

A Level Courses in Spanish should encourage candidates to:

• Develop understanding of the spoken and written forms of Spanish from a variety of registers

• Communicate confidently, clearly and effectively in Spanish through both the spoken and written word, using increasingly accurate, complex and varied language

• Increase their sensitivity to language and language learning

• Develop critical insights into, and contact with, the contemporary society, cultural background and heritage of countries or communities where Spanish is spoken

• Develop positive attitudes to foreign language learning.

As with all advanced courses, you will be expected to be able to work independently. You can do much to help your own progress by doing some preparation before you start the course by making sure that you are familiar with all the basic tenses learnt at GCSE.

Giving up on languages too soon is a regret that many people have when they enter the world of work and find their ambitions curtailed by the fact that they can only communicate in English. In our increasingly competitive global marketplace, the demand for language skills is increasing and employers are recognising the value of multilingual employees who have the skills and flexibility to operate in international environments.

A foreign language, whether spoken fluently or conversationally, can give access to a much wider range of jobs in the UK and overseas. For example, a marketing professional in a global firm is likely to be much more successful if they are able to communicate with foreign companies in their own language; a journalist is much more able to write an effective article if they can interview people in their own language and have some understanding of their culture. (For more information see www.languageworks.co.uk).

Languages allow you to access many and varied careers, not just the obvious ones like translating or teaching. Graduates go on to careers in: accountancy, law, journalism and marketing – the list goes on! An A Level in languages is highly useful as it is seen as a “facilitating” subject by top universities. Many Russell Group Universities (i.e. the most prestigious and competitive universities in Britain) prefer to see candidates with an A Level in languages, even if they are not applying to read languages at university. (www.russellgroup.co.uk)

Component 1: Family, the world of work, the impact of tourism in Spain.

Component 2: Music, the media, festivals and traditions in the Spanish-speaking world.

Component 3: Immigration and multiculturalism in Spain.

Component 4: Franco’s dictatorship and the transition to democracy.

You will also have the opportunity to study a film and a book and research a project of your own choice for the oral examination.

Paper 1: Listening, reading and translation

2 hours; 40% of the A Level qualification

The exam includes: listening and reading comprehension and a passage to be translated from Spanish into English. (Note that for the listening, you will be able to control the audio player).

Paper 2: Written response to works and translation

2 hours 40 minutes; 30% of the A Level qualification

During the exam, you will translate a short passage into Spanish and then write one essay about the film and one essay about the play (from a choice of two in each case).

Paper 3: Speaking

30% of the A Level qualification

The exam consists of two tasks, a discussion on one of the themes (see previous page) and then a presentation and discussion of a topic of your choice, related to Hispanic culture and society.

GCSE grade 6 in Spanish