Spanish

A-level Spanish involves the study of all aspects of Spanish vocabulary and grammar. You’ll focus on the key skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. You’ll study such topics as the changing role of women, the conquest of South America and dictatorships in the Hispanic world. You’ll study the novel Como Agua para Chocolate (Like Water for Chocolate) by Laura Esquivel and the film El Laberinto del Fauno (Pan’s Labyrinth), directed by Guillermo del Toro. 

AQA .

There are two written exams and an oral.  

Paper 1 is worth 50%, Paper 2 is worth 20% and the oral is worth 30% of the final mark.  

The ability to speak Spanish gives you a sought after (and increasingly rare!) skill which can be useful in many occupations. You will be able to apply for any Spanish or combined honours degree at any university. Many students apply for courses such as international law or international business where knowledge of a second language is central.  

Our students go on to work in careers in translation and work in the travel and tourism sector. Careers in teaching, publishing, HR, and journalism are also open to you. But we also have former students of the department who are doctors, dentists and vets! 

Students frequently combine Spanish with French, History, all English courses, Law, Psychology, Business Studies, and Sociology. But we’ve had many students who have successfully combined Spanish with A-levels in science and/or Maths.  

One-to-one support is always available whenever you need it. We offer weekly ‘catch up’ sessions for anyone who needs a bit of extra help. You will have weekly conversation classes with our Spanish assistant and a small group of other students. We have an excellent range of resources on paper and online for you to use.  

We run regular trips to Home in Manchester where there are great opportunities to watch films and listen to lectures about all things Spanish. We did a wonderful dance workshop at Winstanley College where we learned to dance the Flamenco, and visited Madrid last year in a joint trip with the art department. We also recently enjoyed a wonderful trip to London to see an exhibition of the work of Frida Kahlo. 

Some scientists suggest that learning a foreign language improves your memory, problem solving skills, concentration, and listening skills! Some suggest it even holds back the ageing process!