Spanish
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Blocks
1
Level
A-Level
Course Length
2 Years
Timetable
Full Time
Key Skills:
Reasons to study Spanish
Spanish is a global language with over 643 million speakers worldwide, making it the second most spoken native language after Mandarin Chinese.
It is the official language in 21 countries across Europe, Africa and the Americas. An AS or A-Level in a foreign language will make you more competitive when applying for university or jobs.
Varied activities in lessons using online technology such as AQA interactive activities, Google classroom, Quizlet and conjuguemos.com
Weekly one-to-one oral lessons with experienced native language assistant
We provide a vibrant linguistic experience in a welcoming and reassuring environment.
What you will study
Year 1 (AS) – Family, technology, women and LGBT rights, idols, Spanish festivals and traditions, Hispanic music, art and architecture. You will study ‘Ocho apellidos vascos’, a multi-award winning romantic comedy that talks about love and friendship, culture and regional stereotypes between a girl from the Basque Country and a young man from Andalucia.
Year 2 (A-Level) – Immigration, racism, integration, young people and politics, Spanish dictatorship and the monarchy, dictators in Latin America, trade unions and popular movements; You will study a Spanish play: ‘La casa de Bernarda Alba.’
What you will need
You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for your chosen pathway.
GCSE English – minimum grade 5
GCSE Spanish Higher paper – minimum grade 6
Commitment to improving grammar and vocabulary
Interest in learning more about current affairs, social justice and culture in Spain and Spanish-speaking countries
Readiness to take part in pair and group work
Commitment to attend speaking classes with native language assistant
How you will be assessed
Year 1 (AS) – a listening and reading comprehension exam, one essay exam, one speaking exam (assessed by your teacher)
Year 2 (A-Level) – a listening and reading comprehension exam, two essays exam; one speaking exam (assessed by your teacher)
Priestley extra
Possibility of overseas visit to Spain (Cadiz)
University language events
Online taster sessions for other languages ( Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese etc)
Extra grammar lessons
Revision workshops
Summer online self study Spanish literature reading for pleasure
Reading List
Recommended websites
Conjuguemos is an online platform that offers comprehensive tools for learning and mastering Spanish verb conjugation.
https://conjuguemos.com/activities/spanish/verb/1
Quizlet is an online platform to master Spanish vocabulary in a fun and interactive way. Please click the link below to join Quizlet classroom : Year 1 Spanish Priestley College
https://quizlet.com/join/PSFqExC8j?i=1gtt9&x=1bqt
Progression
Studying Spanish at A Level is a powerful way to boost your university applications and future career. Admissions tutors highly value the intellectual grit and communication skills that a modern language proves you have. It is also incredibly versatile, pairing perfectly with humanities like History and Politics, or scientific routes like Medicine and Engineering. Beyond standard courses, it unlocks prestigious joint-honours degrees—think Law with Spanish or International Relations with a life-changing year abroad. In the job market, multi-lingual candidates are fierce competitors, gaining direct access to international organisations, global finance, journalism, and logistics.
How to Apply
Demand for places at Priestley College has been exceptionally high in recent years. We recommend you apply for your place early to avoid disappointment.Â
Study Programme
A-Level and Vocational (Level 3) students are expected to follow a full study programme of three plus one AS-Level courses/equivalents. Your study programme can, however, include a Specialism as one of your choices.

