SPANISH
SCQF LEVEL 7 - Adv HIGHER
Learning a language enables candidates to make connections with different people and their cultures and to play a fuller part as global citizens. The ability to use language effectively lies at the centre of thinking and learning. This course enables candidates to reflect, communicate and develop ideas through language. Candidates will develop advanced skills in Talking, Writing, Reading as appropriate to purpose, audience and context.
QUALIFICATION
Higher
DURATION
3 taught lessons per week (including one lesson with Spanish assistant) and 3 further supported lessons over the course of one year
COURSEWORK
Portfolio
(1200-1500 words in English)
15% of overall mark
Candidates demonstrate their analytical skills in relation to literature or media within the context of the modern language.
EXAM
Reading and Translation- 25%
Listening & Discursive Writing-35%
Talking-25%
EXAM
Reading and Translation- 25%
Listening & Discursive Writing-35%
Talking-25%
TEACHERS
Mrs Laing
Mrs Sayers
WHY TAKE THIS COURSE?
Spanish is one of the most commonly spoken languages
According to most estimates, Spanish is the mother tongue of more than 400 million around the globe, which equates to approximately six percent of the world’s population. Therefore, it is officially recognized as the second most commonly spoken language, ahead of English.
It has official language status in 20 different countries and more than 550 million people speak Spanish with at least some degree of competence. In addition, it is the most popular second language choice for people in the United States and is spoken as either a first or second language by 15 percent of all residents in the European Union.
The language has a bright future
In terms of its popularity, Spanish shows no signs of slowing down, with the total number of speakers increasing steadily over the past decade. A recent report published by the British Council ranked Spanish as the most important second language for British citizens to learn, placing it ahead of French, Arabic and Mandarin.
Moreover, analysts are estimating that the Latino population of the United States will reach close to 130 million by the year 2060. It is predicted that this will make the U.S. the largest Spanish speaking country in the world, overtaking Mexico in the process and further increasing the language’s global standing.
You could work or study abroad
While travelling can be exciting in itself, learning Spanish also opens the very real possibility of either working in a Spanish-speaking country or studying in a Spanish-based academic institution. Getting out of your comfort zone and spending prolonged periods in an overseas country can help you to develop professionally and personally.
Bilingual people experience several health benefits
Multiple studies, including one from the University of Ghent in Belgium, show that acquiring a second language can help to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease and can postpone dementia symptoms. A similar study from the University of California, San Diego, found a correlation between language proficiency and the extent of the delay.
However, the benefits do not end there. Psychologists conducted a study which found that bilingual children were better at problem-solving activities than monolingual kids. This is in line with repeated evidence that suggests learning a new language improves overall cognitive function.
To read more about the benefits of language study, visit:
https://www.toptenreviews.com/top-10-reasons-to-learn-spanish
WHAT WILL YOU EXPERIENCE?
Advanced Higher Spanish is very much a continuation of Higher. Candidates will continue to study topics drawn for the 4 contexts of Society, Learning, Employability and Culture but will be encouraged to understand and use more complex and language and will be asked to consider topics from a less personal angle. Discursive essay writing, as well as spoken discussion of contemporary topics, is central to the course.
You will study in a very supportive environment where you will have access to a wide range of up-to-date resources (many digitally based) to help you achieve the best grade possible.
Check out our Twitter and Instagram profiles for more information on the types of learning that takes place in our classrooms: @MeldrumMFL.
entry requirements
An A or B in Higher Spanish
WHAT WILL YOU GET?
The course is graded
A: Band 1, Band 2
B: Band 3, Band 4
C: Band 5, Band 6
D: Band 7
progress
Everything you need to know about future pathways from this course
EMPLOYMENT
In today’s global marketplace, knowledge of a second language can be extremely valuable for employers and employees alike. Modern businesses are always keen to have staff members who can help them with international trade and the Spanish language is especially valuable in the current climate.
Spanish speakers are a huge demographic for companies to tap into and research shows that some Spanish speaking countries have excellent business prospects. For instance, the Latin American market now has purchasing power of $1.5 trillion, according to Forbes, which makes Spanish speakers more valuable than ever to businesses.
my world of work
This link will take you to an excellent resource on MyWOW which looks at potential career routes when you select a combination of subjects.
STUDENT STORIES
Information from pupils who have studied this course as to how they feel it was.
Holly - S6
I chose to study AH Spanish because I am planning on studying languages at university and I believe it will prepare me well for my first year. I surprisingly enjoyed the portfolio element of the course as it gave me the opportunity to learn more about the Euthanasia debate within a Spanish context. I would recommend Advanced Higher Languages to any student who is considering studying a language at university level because it has taught me to take responsibility for completing my work and how to manage my time effectively as well as to improve my knowledge and understanding of the language itself.
Ciara - S6
For me, learning languages teaches you a lot of skills that can be used elsewhere in life. Despite the challenges which come with learning a language, the advantages are undeniable. I would say my confidence has improved greatly through speaking activities which I got used to, despite seeming scary at first. Within the faculty, there is a lot of support on hand and the teachers are very attentive through the whole course. I would greatly recommend taking a language at this level (or two!)
Fiona - S5
I decided to take AH Spanish this year because I really enjoyed the Higher and I intend to study Law with languages at university. Overall, the course has been highly enjoyable, and I have expanded my vocabulary, my knowledge of grammar and of issues around the world. There is always support available within the Language Faculty if you need help with any aspect of the course and the smaller learning environment within Advanced Higher allows for this too. I would 100% recommend this course to anyone considering it next year as it has really improved my level of language and my confidence when using it.