Course Full Title: A Level Spanish
Exam Board: AQA
Specification Code: 7692
Why study a language?
Thinking about your options for next year? Studying a language at A Level opens doors to exciting opportunities — and it’s more than just learning vocabulary and grammar. Here at Oriel, our language courses are about exploring new cultures, sharing ideas, and gaining skills that will last a lifetime. You are effectively studying a humanities subject – just in another language!
In our lessons, you won’t just sit and listen — you’ll take part in debates, discuss current events, watch films, read articles, and even create your own presentations. You will learn to express opinions confidently, analyse complex ideas, and think critically — all through another language. Lessons are interactive and challenging, but also fun and engaging.
Teachers expect commitment, curiosity, and a willingness to take risks with your language. Regular practice, homework, and class participation are key to success. In return, you’ll develop skills that go far beyond the classroom: problem-solving, resilience, and strong communication — all qualities that universities and employers love.
Whether you dream of a career in business, law, medicine, travel, politics, journalism, or the arts, studying a language will give you a head start. At Oriel, we’ll support you every step of the way, helping you become confident, capable, and ready for the global world.
Why study Spanish?
Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with over 20 countries using it as an official language. It is a global language of business, culture, travel and international communication, making it an excellent choice for students looking to broaden their horizons and enhance their future opportunities.
Studying Spanish at A Level allows you to develop valuable communication, analytical and problem-solving skills while gaining insight into diverse cultures across Spain and the Spanish-speaking world. Universities and employers value language students because they are adaptable, independent thinkers and effective communicators. Spanish combines particularly well with subjects such as Business, Law, Politics, Geography, History and International Relations.
“One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.” – Frank Smith
What will I study?
A Level Spanish develops your language skills through the exploration of contemporary society, cultural issues and current affairs in Spain and the wider Spanish-speaking world.
Topics include:
- Family structures and modern society
- Digital technology and social media
- Equality and diversity
- Cultural heritage and regional identity
- Immigration and multiculturalism
- Political life and social change
Students will also study:
- Film: El laberinto del fauno
- Literary text: El Coronel no tiene quien le escriba
Throughout the course, you will develop advanced listening, reading, writing and speaking skills, enabling you to discuss complex issues and current affairs confidently in Spanish. In Year 13, you will complete an independent research project based on a topic of personal interest linked to the Spanish-speaking world.
What makes a successful Spanish student?
Successful linguists are interested in people, cultures and current affairs. They enjoy communicating ideas, challenging themselves and exploring different perspectives. Students should be prepared to learn vocabulary independently, engage with authentic materials and participate actively in lessons. Strong organisation, resilience and a commitment to regular practice will help you succeed, but a genuine enthusiasm for language learning is often the most important factor.
Where could the study of Spanish take me?
Spanish is a highly respected qualification that supports a wide range of university pathways and career opportunities.
Many students choose to combine Spanish with subjects such as:
- Business Management
- Law
- International Relations
- Politics
- Economics
- Marketing
- History
Language graduates are highly valued in careers including international business, finance, law, diplomacy, marketing, tourism, journalism, education and translation. As organisations increasingly operate across international markets, the ability to communicate in Spanish can provide a real advantage and help distinguish you from other applicants. Spanish can also create opportunities for international travel, study abroad and careers that involve working with people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds.
How will I be assessed?
- Paper 1: Listening, Reading & Writing – 50%
- Paper 2: Writing on film and literature – 20%
- Paper 3: Speaking exam – 30%
What are the entrance requirements?
- Grade 6 or above in Spanish
- 5 or more grades 5-9; including equivalents across at least 5 subjects
- Maths and English Language Grade 4 or above
- Average GCSE GRADE of at least 4.0 (average of ALL GCSE full courses taken)