Page 31 - Sixth Form Courses 2026-2028

A LEVEL
SPANISH

OVERVIEW With 477 million native speakers, Spanish is second only to Chinese as a first
language and is the fourth most widely spoken language in the world.
Spain has increasingly become a major player in European business and with
Banco de Santander now a key provider of UK financial services, business and
economic links between the two countries have never been stronger. Coupled with
the explosive growth of Spanish influence in the fashion world, following the
unprecedented success of Inditex, the company behind brands such as Zara and
Massimo Dutti, the ability to speak Spanish will open up many opportunities for
you in the future.

APPROACH The standard required at A level is a great deal more rigorous than at GCSE; it
requires a sound understanding of grammar and the vocabulary areas become
more complex. Good listening and speaking skills are necessary, as is a logical
mind which copes well with learning grammar and vocabulary. At A level, the
ability to write well-structured essays and an enjoyment of film and literature is an
advantage.
You will be expected to take a lot more responsibility for your progress,
particularly through regular listening and reading in Spanish outside lessons. There
is a great deal of support available: small classes, a Spanish assistant who delivers
weekly oral lessons to small groups, an annual Spanish trip to Valencia or Granada
and cinema trips.

COURSE OUTLINE Progress towards the A level is tracked by formal assessments each half term, a
robust examination at the end of the Lower Sixth and a rehearsal examination in
the Upper Sixth. The final external examinations at the end of the two-year course
consist of a combined listening, reading and writing paper, a separate writing
paper and a separate speaking exam.
In the Lower Sixth students study nearly all the key grammar needed to speak the
language fluently. In addition they will study a theme from Social Issues and
Trends, Aspects of Hispanic Society, one theme from Artistic Culture, Artistic
Culture in the Hispanic World, and a film.
In the Upper Sixth grammar covered in Lower Sixth is reinforced so that accuracy
and manipulation of the language improves. In addition students will explore a
further theme from Social Issues and Trend: Multiculturalism in the Hispanic World
– Immigration, Racism and Integration, a further theme from Political Culture
Aspects of Political Life in the Hispanic World, and a literary text. Students will
also undertake an individual research project for speaking assessment.

FURTHER INFORMATION If you feel you would like to study languages at university, it is often a good idea to
study two languages at A level. This is also helpful if you are planning on studying
a language at university that you have not studied before as it will demonstrate
that you are a good linguist.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS At least grade 6 (B) in Spanish at GCSE and grade 7 (A) or above is desirable.

EXAM BOARD AND 7692
SPECIFICATION https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/spanish/a-level/spanish-7692/specification

CONTACT Head of Languages
Mr M Nash
nash.ma@millfieldschool.com

29 MILLFIELD SIXTH FORM 2026-2028