Taking language learning seriously can be a fascinating and enriching experience for young people. With the potential to broaden students’ horizons and inspire wanderlust, no more exciting reason exists to pursue a subject at A-level! With 600 million speakers worldwide and 20 countries using it as their national language, learning A-level Spanish comes with many educational and professional benefits to take with you into later life. However, achieving fluency and high grades requires focused guidance, meaning hiring an A-level Spanish tutor could make all the difference.
As a complex skill proven to have a lasting impact on the brain’s plasticity and function, it is widely held that language learning can have a preventative influence against degenerative long-term neurological conditions like dementia. Perhaps more relevantly for students, language learning is also proven to impact academic performance more generally. In a meta-analysis, 90% of studies concluded that students who choose languages perform better across a range of other subjects than students who don’t study a second language.
The positive correlative effects of language learning on students’ exam results start to add up when the benefits of language learning include:
The academic advantages of language learning are extensive and have the potential to impact students’ future opportunities.
After deciding to pursue Spanish language studies at A-level, the next most impactful step to enhance the likelihood of academic success is to engage a tutor for personalised assistance. Research from the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) suggests that, on average, private one-to-one tuition can contribute to five additional months of progress, giving students a significant advantage over their peers. Unlike in the classroom, personal tutors do not have to cater to a broad range of needs. Instead, they can develop a customised learning plan centred around individual student’s strengths and weaknesses. When working one-to-one, the student’s needs set the rate of progress, allowing the targeting of achievable, personal goals.
Languages are often considered to be some of the most challenging subjects to pursue at A-level due to the varied and extensive requirements for candidates: writing, reading, speaking, and listening, which all comprise assessed elements of the qualification. In particular, mastering spoken Spanish is one of the most challenging aspects of learning the language, especially when the classroom environment limits the opportunity to practice. Individual tuition can help by giving valuable time to allow students to engage in extensive speaking practice, contributing to improved fluency, pronunciation and overall confidence. Furthermore, practising with a fluent Spanish speaker will increase listening comprehension, train students to understand different accents and speech speeds, and generally increase their exposure to native-level spoken Spanish.
The extensive speaking and listening preparation offered by hiring an A-level Spanish tutor is just one of the ways that individual attention can help increase chances of success. This same principle stretches to all aspects of exam preparation, from isolating problem areas and breaking down complex topics to fine-tuning responses and practising in timed conditions.
For many students, exam anxiety is a common issue, compounded by the pressure to perform. With language exams, this anxiety can feel additionally heightened due to the more involved methods of assessment. However, with regular private sessions, tangible improvements in speaking and listening skills should help to reduce anxieties. Learning to feel calm and confident when speaking in Spanish can be a major breakthrough, and a private tutor can help students develop strategies to cultivate a positive mindset and perform to the best of their abilities.
Another significant advantage of hiring an A-level Spanish tutor comes not only from the new learning environment they provide, but also from the significant contribution that cultural learning can make to language retention. In the same way that watching a TV show in Spanish or reading a novel in its original language can help improve language skills through immersive practices, a specialised tutor can provide deeper insights into cultural topics. Tutors are often either native speakers or have spent a significant amount of time in Spanish-speaking countries and can, therefore, take students further than the textbooks by offering explanations and contextual information about important historical, political, or cultural movements in Spain or Latin America.
This sort of immersive Spanish practice can contribute to language learning: new research from Scientific American suggests that devices which immerse students in the language and culture contribute to faster language learning and increased fluency.
The real benefits of studying any language, particularly Spanish, at A-level come into their own once the exams are over. Whether you are planning to head to university or straight into the world of work, proficient Spanish is invaluable for anyone wishing to pursue study or work in many areas:
As one of the most spoken languages in the world, Spanish A-level is a significant asset to many employers. As the job market continues to become increasingly global, employers love to hear from candidates who can communicate and engage across the language barrier.
Whether the goal is to travel, work abroad, or simply learn about Hispanic cultures, the skills gained through a commitment to improving your Spanish can have a significant, lasting impact.
There are numerous benefits to learning Spanish that extend beyond academic success. However, hiring an experienced tutor is undoubtedly the most impactful way to improve your language skills and achieve high grades. From personalised learning with flexibility and convenience to focused exam preparation, cultural understanding, and confidence building, the advantages are considerable, forging a clear path to success.
To start improving your Spanish today, head to our Find a Tutor page to browse our excellent Spanish tutors or contact us directly.
