KS5 Spanish at OASB

At Key Stage 5, our students build upon their GCSE foundations to explore Spanish culture and society in depth and complexity. Students study technological and social change, looking at the multicultural nature of Hispanic society. They explore aspects of Hispanic artistic culture, including a focus on Spanish regional identity and the cultural heritage of past civilisations and learn the diverse political landscape of the Hispanic world.

Students will also explore the influence of the past on present-day Hispanic communities. Throughout their studies, they learn the language in the context of Hispanic countries and issues and influences which have shaped them. They will study texts and film and will have the opportunity to carry out independent research on an area of their choice.

Literary Text and Film

Our chosen A Level Spanish text is La Casa de Bernada Alba which follows a life in the house of Bernada Alba, a widowed woman who has a great impact on the people of her household, projecting her expectations on her young daughters. This is a significant play in Spanish culture as it reflects the ideas and traditions of post civil war Spain. Through close textual analysis, pupils will explore the significance of cultural context, develop their ability to interpret ideas, and delve into themes such as repression and social inequality.

El Labaurinto del Fauno, our chosen cinematic work, follows a young girl (Ophelia) who goes to live with her stepfather who is an army officer in wartime Spain. In order to cope with her situation, Ophelia creates a fantastical world which eerily represents the events of real life. Close reading of key scenes from the film will enable pupils to analyse characters and motivations, explore how visual techniques are used to create meaning, and link key themes to contemporary concerns.

Independent Research Project 

For their A Level speaking exam, pupils must identify a subject or a key question which is of interest to them, and which relates to a country or countries where Spanish is spoken.

The aim of the research project is to develop research skills, encourage autonomy and build cultural awareness. Through choosing and exploring a topic of personal interest, students will demonstrate their ability to initiate and conduct research by analysing and summarising their findings. They also develop the ability to clearly present an argument and defend their stance in Spanish academic debate.

 

For further information on the  Key Stage 5 Spanish curriculum at OASB please email kirsten.leary@oasissouthbank.org (Head of Department)