The English International College’s
Sixth Form

Biology

About the course

In the International A Level Biology course many of the ideas introduced at IGCSE level are explored in much greater depth. Aspects of human biology considered include cardiovascular disease, muscular and nervous control and co-ordination. These are interesting and relevant to students considering studying medicine.

Examples of other topics studied include human influences on climate, biodiversity, energy flow in ecosystems, and the biochemistry of photosynthesis. There is a strong practical emphasis throughout the course and students complete compulsory practicals in units 1,2,4 and 5.

In the context of this experimental work, students have a chance to improve their understanding of how practical investigations are planned and carried out and how the results they yield are recorded and interpreted.

During the course our students take a field trip to the National Park at Doñana where they have a chance to become acquainted with a region of international significance in terms of conservation.

Entry Requirements/Guidance

Biology IGCSE or equivalent grade 7. It is useful but not essential to have studied Chemistry at IGCSE or equivalent.

This course will lead to (degree/careers)

Business Studies

About the course

In Business you will look at a number of different businesses facing different challenges. You are expected to analyse the key factors involved and have to recommend the best course of action for a business given its existing position:

• Should it launch a new product?
• Should managers increase staff pay or give more to investors?
• Should a business target emerging economies?
• How should you raise the money needed to fund expansion?

Essentially the course is about decision-making in a business context and as such it develops invaluable skills whatever you want to do next. You need to learn and understand the theory but then apply it to a context. The “right” answer will depend on the problem in front of you and you need to be able to think issues through logically, put together well-reasoned arguments and make recommendations. It involves analysing situations and making choices.

Entry Requirements/Guidance

There is some Maths involved in Business Studies, particularly in Year 13, so it is a requirement that all Business Studies students have at least a grade 6 in Maths IGCSE.

This course will lead to (degree/careers)

Most students will go on to a Business-related degree. This might be something general, like Business Management, or more specific, like Marketing. Business is, by its nature, a vocationally useful subject and while some students may go on to a career in an area of a business, such as sales or promotion, there is a wide range of possibilities open to anyone with an understanding of how a business operates.

Chemistry

About the course

Chemistry affects the lives of every one of us.

Chemistry is an exciting and challenging subject to study as it helps to unravel the mysteries concerning materials of every description including the human body. The role of a chemist is a very important one in all aspects of our life. In fact we use very few materials that have not been changed in some way by a chemist. Chemical research may be targeted where it is dedicated to making new substances which are more effective, cheaper and with fewer disadvantages than those used at present, or fundamentally where it is designed to further our understanding of how and why things are as they are.

The course aims to:

• Stimulate and sustain an interest and enjoyment of the subject while fostering imaginative and critical thinking with acquisition of knowledge.
• Study aspects of chemistry that are often in the media and affect lives, such as climate change, green chemistry, pharmaceuticals and chemistry research.
• Give students a practical experience that will develop and enhance these skills.
• Appreciate the interlinking patterns in the subject.

Entry Requirements/Guidance

A grade 7 in Chemistry IGCSE or equivalent.

This course will lead to (degree/careers)

An A2 Level in Chemistry is essential for students wishing to go into the fields of:

• Medicine,
• Dentistry
• and Veterinary science.

It is a must for the fields of:

• Biology,
• Biochemistry,
• Chemical and Marine Engineering,
• Food Science,
• Pharmacy,
• Water Science
• and Agricultural Science.

It is also extremely useful for careers in development of new materials in the fashion, fragrance and cosmetic industries, as well as in art restoration.

Computer Science

About the course

We all take the internet, email, everyday applications and computer games for granted, but at some point someone who studied Computer Science had a hand in creating them. All around us is evidence of expertise in computing, not just in terms of how computers and programming work but the higher-level analytical skills required.

The course will suit students who are logical and who have an analytical approach to problem solving. It is excellent preparation for students looking to take a Computer Science or computing related degree. If you would like a career as a programmer, computer engineer and would like to work in the telecommunications industry, then this course is appropriate. Students from this course have gone on to gain places at Oxbridge and other top Russell Group universities. Importantly, because of the focus on logic, systematic analysis and problem-solving, students with qualifications in computing are highly regarded by employers and universities alike.

This course not only gives you the opportunity to gain a top grade but enhances your personal skills in problem solving, critical analysis, working both independently and as part of a team to achieve solutions. What will you learn? You will gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of how computers work, from the microprocessor to memory, storage, operating systems and network architectures.

You will develop knowledge of programming theory and acquire practical skills in developing software programs. Programming will include a study of VB Net, Python, HTML, CSS, Javascript and SQL.

Entry Requirements/Guidance

This is a demanding A Level subject which has certain prerequisites. A minimum of a grade 6 in IGCSE Mathematics is essential. Obviously a grade 6 in Computer Science at IGCSE is advisable, but not essential. Indeed studying Mathematics at AS Level is also advisable. The overriding essential is an interest in the subject and a desire to learn more, with a goal to achieving a high grade at A Level.

This course will lead to (degree/careers)

• Software Developer
• Web Developer
• Information Security Analyst
• Database Administrator
• Quality Assurance
• Network Administrator
• Computer Network Architect
• Computer Systems Analyst
• Computer and Information Research Scientist
• Business intelligence Analyst

Drama

About the course

The A-Level course will involve taking part in drama performances and exploring theatre practitioners and performance texts. You will extend your ability to create drama and theatre, either in a performing or production role. You will also be required to write about the dramatic process of devising, how drama can go from page to stage and to develop your powers of analysis to become an informed critic.

COMPONENT 1: DEVISING (40%)
You will devise an original performance piece using a play text and theatre practitioner as stimuli. You will be assessed on a written portfolio (2500- 3000 words).

COMPONENT 2: TEXT IN PERFORMANCE (20%)
You will perform in a group performance of one key extract from a play text as well as a monologue or duologue to an external examiner. This exam is practical and does not involve coursework .

COMPONENT 3: THEATRE MAKERS IN PRACTICE (40%)
This is an externally assessed 2 hour and 30 minute written paper in three sections. In section A you will be required to analyse and evaluate a live theatre performance you have seen. In section B you will answer two questions based on an unseen extract from one of the play texts you have studied. In section C you will answer one question based on an unseen section from your second chosen play text.

Please note this is a 2 year linear A Level course with no AS Level option.

Entry Requirements/Guidance

You will have achieved a grade 7, 8 or 9 at GCSE Drama. You must be interested in gaining a greater understanding of how theatre and plays work and that you are confident to perform on stage as a group as well as individually. English Language /English Literature IGCSE at grade 6 or above are also advantageous. Trips - you will be required to go on a compulsory theatre trip to London or elsewhere to see English-speaking theatre.

This course will lead to (degree/careers)

This A Level can lead to further study in Drama, Theatre Studies and Performing Arts in Higher Education at degree level. It can be used as part of your course to broaden your studies and skills and may lead to a career in the performing arts industries, media arts, journalism and teaching. Drama and Theatre Studies A Level complements a range of subjects such as English Literature, Art and Design, and is useful in building confidence and improving presentation skills in a range of careers.

Economics

About the course

Many people imagine Economics is a science that allows bankers to make money, like alchemists conjuring gold. In fact, it is far more important than that. Economics is all about the choices we all make everyday in our lives, and about how the incentives we have determined these choices. Different economic agents, be they consumers, firms, workers or governments, face different incentives, and it is the interaction of these agents that determine what is produced, how it is produced and who gets the product.

Economics considers itself to be a science and as such the main tools of an economist are the economic models. These try to simplify the choices faced by economic agents so that we can change one variable, like the price of a good or interest rates, and see the effect this change will have. Taken together, micro and macroeconomics give a complete understanding of the economy.

Entry Requirements/Guidance

We insist that only those students taking Maths A Level should consider Economics. Having an interest in current affairs is also important, as are essay writing skills, and students who study History, Politics or Geography will find parts of Economics familiar.

This course will lead to (degree/careers)

There are a wide range of degree and career opportunities for students of Economics, as mathematicians with the ability to use this to provide a qualitative analysis, they are highly regarded. Many go on to degrees in Economics or on Economics-related courses, such as Management. Others go on to International Relations or other contemporary courses. For careers, most obviously there is the financial sector, be it in investment banking, accountancy or risk analysis. Other areas include the diplomatic service, law or journalism.

English Literature

About the course

Pearson Edexcel International A Level English Literature provides students with the opportunity to gain further knowledge and understanding of international poetry, prose and drama, with candidates studying all genres at both AS and A Level.

A wide range of inspiring set texts offer a depth and breadth of literary study and encourage lively and stimulating classroom discussion. At AS Level, learners will study a selection of modern poetry, a modern prose text and two plays. At A Level they will study four further set texts and will also prepare for unseen poetry. All examinations are open book, and students are presented with general essay questions on theme and character that require the student to make whole-text links. Throughout the AS and A Level course, students will be encouraged to read widely and independently, engaging critically and creatively with a substantial body of texts. They will develop and apply their knowledge of literary analysis and evaluation, exploring the contexts and others’ interpretations of texts. This rigorous course allows students to deepen their understanding of English literature, including its changing traditions.

Entry Requirements/Guidance

You will have achieved an 7, 8 or 9 grade in IGCSE Literature in English

You must also:

• be a willing reader of both the set texts and your own wider reading
• be confident in forming your own opinions and analysis of texts
• be willing to express your views in the classroom and engage in class discussion
• be a fluent and accurate writer

This course will lead to (degree/careers)

An A Level in Literature in English reflects good communication skills and a wide cultural knowledge: skills that are important for whatever degree or career you choose.

English Literature can be studied as a single subject at degree level or combined with a wide variety of other subjects. Philosophy, Anthropology, Archaeology, Classics, Politics, History, Law or Languages all combine well with the study of English Literature.

English Language

About the course

Pearson Edexcel International AS Level English Language provides students with opportunities to make critical and informed responses to a wide range of texts. Students will also demonstrate their ability to produce writing to specific briefs and for given audiences. Unit 1 focuses on the context in which language is produced and received and how writers and speakers present themselves to their audience. Unit 2 looks at language in transition. Students will study the influence of other languages on the development of English, pidgins and creoles and the development of English outside the British Isles.

Pearson Edexcel International A Level English Language enables students to develop their skills as producers and interpreters of language. Unit 3 allows students to study a range of specified writing genres and demonstrate their skills as writers in re-creating texts for a different context, purpose and audience. In Unit 4, students select one of four topics to research to undertake a focused investigation of their selected topic.

Entry Requirements/Guidance

You will have achieved a grade 7 - 9 in IGCSE English Language.

You must also:

• be a willing reader of a full range of texts, including your own wider reading
• be confident in forming your own opinions and analysis of texts
• be willing to express your views in the classroom and engage in class discussion
• be a fluent, accurate and imaginative writer

This course will lead to (degree/careers)

In studying English Language at A Level, you develop your skills as a communicator. This is particularly useful, whichever degree course or career you decide to follow.

It forms a good foundation for study in any arts-based degree in combination with, for example, History, Social Studies, Media Studies, Foreign Languages and Politics.

Fine Art

About the course

Students must adhere to the assessment objectives for the course:

1. Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding.
2. Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops.
3. Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions, reflecting critically on work and progress.
4. Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and, where appropriate, makes connections between visual and other elements.

*These are the assessment objectives for the course.

Fine Art incorporates the exploration of practical and critical/contextual work through a range of processes and media. The disciplines are painting and drawing, printmaking, sculpture, lens-based image making.

Students should also:

• understand how ideas generate starting points for art and design practice and form an integral part of the creative process.
• understand how images and artefacts relate to ethical and political contexts.
• undertake sustained development and refinement of ideas
• develop their visual language to communicate ideas
• demonstrate skillful use of the formal elements, including line, tone, colour, shape, pattern, texture, form and structure.
• record evidence of their progress, in an on–going critical and analytical review.
• respond to a theme, stimulus or ideas.
• make connections between their investigations and creative intentions.
• realise intentions.
• produce and present outcome(s).

Entry Requirements/Guidance

In order to be able to make a strong start at this level, a 7, 8 or 9 must be achieved at GCSE Level (equivalent to the old A or A*). However, exceptions are sometimes made and we will accept a 6 (B) where we see true potential in someone. Rarely, but entirely possible, is to embark on the A Level Fine Art course without having completed a GCSE in it, but this possibility is reserved for extremely gifted and talented students who, after internal assessment, show that they are at the required level.

This course will lead to (degree/careers)

Having an A Level in any endorsement of Art and Design can lead to degrees and careers as a:

French

About the course

The content covers the following general topic areas (GTAs):
IAS • Youth matters • Lifestyle, health and fitness • Environment and travel • Education and employment.
IAL • Youth matters • Lifestyle, health and fitness • Environment and travel • Education and employment • Technology in the French-speaking world • Society in the French-speaking world • Ethics in the French-speaking world.

Unit 1: Spoken expression and response
Section A: Spoken response – Respond to four Pearson-set questions on a stimulus related to one of the student’s two chosen general topic areas (GTAs).
Section B: Discussion – A discussion relating to the GTA.

Unit 2: Understanding and written response
Section A: Listening.
Section B: Reading and Grammar.
Section C: Writing – requires students to write an email or article of a recommended length of 240–280 words in French based on a short, printed stimulus written in French and four related bullet points.

Unit 3: Understanding and spoken response
Section A: Presentation and Debate.
Section B: Discussion.

Unit 4: Research, understanding and written response
Section A: Listening.
Section B: Reading and Grammar.
Section C: Writing – Requires students to answer one question, in French, from a choice of two, that relates to a literary text chosen from the prescribed list. Students should write 300-400 words.

Entry Requirements/Guidance

You should have achieved a grade 7 or above in your IGCSE examination and have a real interest in learning the language, as it is a very demanding subject. You should keep up to date with current affairs in the country of the target language.

This course will lead to (degree/careers)

As well as specialising in the study of the language itself, you can combine the language with many other specialist subjects. A language will be an enrichment to any career and will open doors. In an even more globalised world, the need for linguists is constantly increasing and appealing to a huge variety of employers.

Some popular combinations in the past have been:

• French + business studies
• French + law
• French + finance
• French + journalism
• French + literature
• French + a science
• French + economics
• French + any humanities subject.

Geography

About the course

Geography lies at the junction between Science, Maths and the Humanities. It is regarded as a facilitating subject and is often considered as a Science by Universities. This means it works well with almost any combination of subjects. It shows that those who go the Science route can write and communicate effectively and that those that take the Arts / Languages / Humanities route can understand enough science and data to analyze and navigate our increasingly complex world. It mixes current affairs, critical analysis and how to interpret world systems, both political and cultural as well as biodiversity and natural disasters.

At AS level the course is divided into two units which cover both human and physical (natural hazards and the human response to this). There is a compulsory field trip that takes place in the first term of Year 12.

For the A2 level the course consists of topics on Energy, Superpowers, Biodiversity and Atmospherics. There is also a six week research topic on a choice of Tectonics, Human response to disease, Culture or Food production.

Entry Requirements/Guidance

Generally the requirement is a grade 7 or above at IGCSE. If you have not taken Geography at IGCSE you can still be considered for the course on a case by case basis. Student work ethic and dedication are also important factors, so all applicants are considered on a case-bycase basis.

This course will lead to (degree/careers)

Geography is regarded as a facilitating subject. It provides employers with evidence that you can deal with many different aspects of a job. Potential careers are as diverse as Environmental Engineer, Petroleum Geologist, Oceanographer or Disease prevention specialist to Journalism, Film and Documentary production, International relations, Law or Political analyst.

German

About the course

The content covers the following general topic areas (GTAs):
IAS • Youth matters • Lifestyle, health and fitness • Environment and travel • Education and employment.

IAL • Youth matters • Lifestyle, health and fitness • Environment and travel • Education and employment • Technology in the German-speaking world • Society in the Germanspeaking world • Ethics in the German-speaking world.

Unit 1: Spoken expression and response.
Section A: Spoken response – Respond to four Pearson-set questions on a stimulus related to one of the student’s two chosen general topic areas (GTAs).
Section B: Discussion – A discussion relating to the GTA.

Unit 2: Understanding and written response.
Section A: Listening.
Section B: Reading and Grammar.
Section C: Writing – Requires students to write an email or article of a recommended length of 240–280 words in German based on a short, printed stimulus written in German and four related bullet points.

Unit 3: Understanding and spoken response
Section A: Presentation and debate.
Section B: Discussion.

Unit 4: Research, understanding and written response
Section A: Listening.
Section B: Reading and Grammar.
Section C: Writing – Requires students to answer one question, in German, from a choice of two, that relates to a literary text chosen from the prescribed list. Students should write 300-400 words.

Entry Requirements/Guidance

You should have achieved a grade 7 or above in your IGCSE examination and have a real interest in learning the language, as it is a very demanding subject. You should keep up to date with current affairs in the country of the target language.

This course will lead to (degree/careers)

As well as specialising in the study of the language itself, you can combine the language with many other specialist subjects. A language will be an enrichment to any career and will open doors. In an even more globalised world, the need for linguists is constantly increasing and appealing to a huge variety of employers.

Some popular combinations in the past have been:

• German + business studies
• German + law
• German + finance
• German + journalism
• German + literature
• German + a science
• German + economics
• German + any humanities subject.

History

About the course

Paper 1
1B: Russia in revolution 1881-1917 • Political Reaction and Economic Change -Alexander III and Nicholas II 1881-1903 • The First Revolution and it’s impact 1903–1914 • The end of Romanov rule, 1914–17 • The Bolshevik Seizure of Power October 1917.

Paper 2
2B: China 1900-1976 • Order and disorder 1900-1976 • The Impact of the World on China 1900-76 • Economic Changes 1900-76 • Social and Cultural Changes 1900-76.

Paper 3
3C: Germany 1871-1990, united, divided and reunited (forbidden combination with Germany on Paper 1).

Paper 4
4D: South East Asia 1945-1990 • What explains the outbreak, course and impact of the Korean War in the period 1950-53? • The Emergence of the Cold War in South East Asia 1945-60 • War in Indo-China 1961-1973 • South East Asia without the West: the fading of the Cold War 1973-1990.

Entry Requirements/Guidance

Students should have a strong portfolio of IGCSEs (5 or above) including a grade 7 - 9 in either History, Politics or another essay based qualification, for example, English Literature.

This course will lead to (degree/careers)

History is very practical, because it involves:

• Learning about people – how they interact, the motives and emotions
• Learning about countries, societies and cultures – so many of today’s conflicts have their roots in the past
• Learning to sift facts – to identify truth and downright lies
• Presenting what you’ve learned in a way that makes sense to others – having the confidence to defend your findings.
• Investigating skills- to autonomously be able to plan, organise and conduct research and raise critical questions about a certain topic or event.

All these skills are valuable in a whole range of jobs.

Nicky Campbell and Simon Mayo are History Graduates. The BBC foreign affairs correspondent Jeremy Bowen did the same from University College London. Other famous graduates in the media include comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, aka Ali G and Melvyn Bragg, who both graduated from Oxford.

Maths and Further Maths

About the course

Mathematics lies at the intersection of the arts and the sciences. The International A Level course is extremely versatile and useful because of it’s in built problem solving capabilities – both universities and future employers find this aspect invaluable.

It can be combined with a range of other A Level subjects; beyond the obvious combinations of Maths and Sciences, or Maths and Economics, in recent years students have also studied Maths in conjunction with English, Art, Humanities and Languages A Levels. Equally, it can be studied for its own sake - just for the joy of it!

Entry Requirements/Guidance

Our guidelines would be a grade 7 at IGCSE for Maths, and at least a high grade 8 at IGCSE for Further Maths. Student work ethic and dedication are also important factors, so all applicants would be considered on a caseby- case basis.

This course will lead to (degree/careers)

Although Maths & Further Maths have an obvious link to degrees such as Engineering, Science, and Finance, it is a facilitating subject that is viewed equally highly in degrees such as Law and Psychology. Universities understand the difficulty of the A Level, and appreciate the fact that it teaches problem solving, persistence and lateral thinking.

Music

About the course

The study of Music at A Level is both practical and academic. It is an engaging and rigorous course that develops many musical and non-musical skills. If you have a passion for Music and a strong musical background, A Level Music is an excellent choice. Studying Music opens doors to many opportunities, regardless of what you plan to do in the future. Here’s what Oxford University says about studying Music:

“The varied nature of the course enables students to develop highly desirable skills in areas such as self-management, creativity, data analysis, performance, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication, all of which makes them an attractive prospect for potential employers. Other popular destinations for Music graduates include broadcasting, publishing, law, politics and the Civil Service. Rather than limiting your prospects, studying Music opens doors to a wide range of careers.”

Entry Requirements/Guidance

Our guidelines would be a grade 7 at IGCSE for Music, and at least grade 5 on an instrument/voice. Student work ethic and dedication are also important factors, so all applicants would be considered on a case-by-case basis.

This course will lead to (degree/careers)

Aside from what is mentioned above, it is worth bearing in mind that the transferable skills gained through studying music are applicable to a huge variety of career paths including: musician, music therapist, music teacher, TV producer, sound technician, broadcasting engineer, events management, marketing, soundtrack composer, music venue manager, arts administration.

Physics

About the course

The course aims to:

• Develop students’ interest in, and enthusiasm for, the subject including developing an interest in further study and careers in the subject.
• Appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.
• Develop and demonstrate a deeper appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of the subject.
• Develop an understanding of how knowledge is acquired through experimental investigation and how such investigations underpin our understanding of key concepts.
• Develop essential knowledge and understanding of the laws that govern our universe.

Entry Requirements/Guidance

Physics IGCSE or equivalent grade 7.

This course will lead to (degree/careers)

If you study Physics at A Level, your qualifications can open up the possibility of exciting work in areas such as aerospace, engineering, technological innovation, scientific journalism, telecommunications, consultancy, administration or electronics. You might like to work in environments such as hospitals, research laboratories, agricultural establishments, classrooms, oil industries or the Civil Service.

Politics

About the course

The study of politics will help you understand the massive influence political decisions, structures and ideologies have on our daily lives. Recent years in the UK have seen a referendum, a general election, Brexit & the Supreme Court intervention, while in the US there have been Presidential & Congressional elections & impeachment of the President. Politics helps you to understand these events, why they occurred, the reactions to them and the possible consequences.

If you have an interest in current affairs, this subject is vital to improve your understanding. It is a subject where much of the textbook is out of date by the time it is printed, with new events and examples appearing all the time. The course will help you examine your own views and see the range of differing ideologies. In this way it will help you define and refine your own opinions and express them with clarity.

Entry Requirements/Guidance

There are no specific entry requirements, but you should have a real interest and some knowledge of UK & US politics today. AS and A Level Politics combines well with other subjects, most notably essay writing subjects, such as History, English and Modern Foreign Languages, and subjects with a strong current affairs element, such as Economics and Geography.

This course will lead to (degree/careers)

Politics is useful in its own right, making you a more informed and involved citizen. As an analytical subject students may go on to study subjects such as Politics, History, International Relations or PPE. Often Politics students become actively involved in student politics while at university. Careers might include law, journalism, any role in business which requires you to analyse and use information and, of course, future Prime Minister!

Sociology

About the course

Sociology is the study of human behaviour and the interaction between human groups and institutions. The debate about how much we can reshape society is central to the subject, but in order to do that you need to have an idea about how people function. It encourages learners to think critically about contemporary social, cultural and political issues and to consider these from different perspectives. It provides opportunities to explore key concepts and debates that underpin society and to develop the skills of interpretation, application, analysis and evaluation while studying a range of stimulating topics and real-world issues.

At IAS the course is divided into two papers covering topics such as social identity, diversity, social change and gender equality.

At IAL the course has two papers that cover education and social mobility as well as globalisation, media and religion.

Entry Requirements/Guidance

This subject is not offered at IGCSE so entry will be considered on a case by case basis. It is an essay based subject. so good English skills are necessary. Sociology combines well with other subjects, most notably essay writing subjects, such as History, English and Modern Foreign Languages, and subjects with a strong current affairs element, such as Economics and Geography. However, it can also work well as an essay based subject to complement Mathematics and Science based subjects.

This course will lead to (degree/careers)

Sociology is regarded as a desirable subject by many top Universities, as it requires critical thinking skills and an analytical mindset. It can lead to many different career paths such as Law, Criminology, Banking, Education, Social Work, Social Policy, Politics, Journalism or International Relations.

Spanish

About the course

The content covers the following general topic areas (GTAs):
IAS • Youth matters • Lifestyle, health and fitness • Environment and travel • Education and employment .

IAL • Youth matters • Lifestyle, health and fitness • Environment and travel • Education and employment • Technology in the Spanish-speaking world • Society in the Spanish-speaking world • Ethics in the Spanish-speaking world.

Unit 1: Spoken expression and response.
Section A: Spoken response – Respond to four Pearson-set questions on a stimulus related to one of the student’s two chosen general topic areas (GTAs).
Section B: Discussion – A discussion relating to the GTA.

Unit 2: Understanding and written response.
Section A: Listening.
Section B: Reading and Grammar.
Section C: Writing – Requires students to write an email or article of a recommended length of 240–280 words in Spanish based on a short, printed stimulus written in Spanish and four related bullet points.

Unit 3: Understanding and spoken response
Section A: Presentation and debate.
Section B: Discussion.

Unit 4: Research, understanding and written response
Section A: Listening.
Section B: Reading and Grammar.
Section C: Writing – Requires students to answer one question, in Spanish, from a choice of two, that relates to a literary text chosen from the prescribed list. Students should write 300-400 words.

Entry Requirements/Guidance

You should have achieved a grade 7 or above in your IGCSE examination and have a real interest in learning the language, as it is a very demanding subject. You should keep up to date with current affairs in the country of the target language.

This course will lead to (degree/careers)

As well as specialising in the study of the language itself, you can combine the language with many other specialist subjects. A language will be an enrichment to any career and will open doors. In an even more globalised world, the need for linguists is constantly increasing and appealing to a huge variety of employers.

Some popular combinations in the past have been:

• Spanish + business studies
• Spanish + law
• Spanish + finance
• Spanish + journalism
• Spanish + literature
• Spanish + a science
• Spanish + economics
• Spanish + any humanities subject.