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Devonport High School for Girls

Head of Department

Mrs V Lethbridge, BA, PGCE

Statement of Intent 

Foreign languages are an important part of cultural and vocational education in Europe and around the world. In the Languages department at DHSG, we aim to provide our students with the skills to communicate effectively in a variety of languages (French, Spanish, German, Mandarin Chinese, Latin) and with a sympathetic attitude to and deeper understanding of the relevant cultures in the language of study. In the teaching of specific languages, we endeavour to foster a language awareness and an improved understanding of English and to develop language learning skills which will serve as a valuable basis for the acquisition of skills in other foreign languages which students may wish to learn later in their careers. 

Language lessons focus on developing students’ ability to engage in spontaneous talk and practise transferable thinking skills. Above all, as committed and enthusiastic language learners ourselves, we wish to pass on a love of languages and encourage students to embrace language learning as a vital life skill. 

“He who knows no foreign language, knows nothing of his own” Goethe 

“ If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head; if you talk to a man in his own language, that goes to his heart.” Nelson Mandela. 

Aims of the department: 

  • to produce enthusiastic, competent linguists who are confident of their ability, willing to take risks in less familiar situations;
  • to develop the students’ ability to engage in spontaneous talk, uninhibited by a strive for perfection;
  • to provide a sense of challenge in the language learning activities and overcome the fear of failure;
  • to encourage students to become adaptable and open to new opportunities;
  • to help students to develop transferable thinking skills; 
  • to embrace language learning and the ability to use other languages as a life skill; 
  • to encourage a sense of belonging to a global community;
  • to develop a cultural awareness of other nationalities. 

A Level Course Outline

This course aims to give candidates an excellent grounding in all aspects of the Spanish language with the opportunity to develop ability and confidence in the four skill areas of speaking, listening, reading and writing. Furthermore, the specification aims to stimulate greater cultural awareness of Spain and Latin America.

Higher Education and Career Opportunities

Spanish A level will be a valuable asset in a variety of degree and career areas including Law, Accountancy, Business, Media and Teaching. Most Spanish degrees involve a year abroad in Spain or Latin America.

Course Content

Examination Board

 

AQA

Full details of the specification and assessment criteria can be found on the AQA website

Spanish AS - 7691
Spanish A - 7692

What is assessed:  Aspects of Hispanic society.   Artistic culture in the Hispanic world

AS Level

Paper 1

Listening, reading and writing
Written exam: 1 hr 45 mins - 90 marks 45% of AS 

 

Paper  2

Writing (one literary text or film from set list)

Written Exam: 1hr 30 mins - 50 marks 25% of AS

 

Paper 3 

Speaking

Oral exam: 12–14 minutes - 60 marks 30% of AS

What is assessed: Aspects of Hispanic society, Artistic culture in the Hispanic .  Multiculturalism and aspects of political life in Hispanic society

A Level

Paper 1

Listening, reading and writing

Written exam: 2 hrs 30 mins - 100 marks 50% of A level

 

Paper 2

Writing (one literary text and one film or two texts from set list)

Written Exam: 2hrs - 80 marks 20% of A Level

 

Paper 3

Speaking (including individual research project)

Oral exam: 21-23 minutes (+5mins preparation time) -
60 marks 30% of A Level