Spanish

What is it? At AS, you'll hone the four key language skills – writing, reading, speaking and listening – by studying the culture of Spanish-speaking countries, looking at topics including the mass media, the environment and youth culture. At A2, you'll have the chance to study the work of Spanish-language writers including Gabriel Garcia Marquez, author of One Hundred Years of Solitude, and Federico Garcia Lorca. Or you can delve into Spanish arts or society or study the films of Pedro Almodóvar.

Why do it? If you want to travel, Spanish is the language to learn. By 2020, it is expected to become the second most widely spoken language in the world.

What skills do you need? GCSE Spanish is a must.

How much practical work is there? None.

Ratio of coursework to exams: 15: 85

Is it hard? Spanish is extremely accessible. It's easy to pronounce and, unlike the French, the Spanish have no hang-ups about importing English words.

Who takes it? More girls than boys.

How cool is it? "It's a sexy subject," says Tony Woolstone, chair of examiners in Spanish at AQA. "A lot of British teenagers go to Spain. Plus, Latin American pop stars such as Shakira are very popular at the moment." He says Spanish-language pop music can often be heard in his classroom.

Added value: Woolstone encourages his students to text message each other in Spanish – you just need to change the language setting on your phone. So, if your parents complain about your large phone bill, you can explain that you were practising your language skills.

What subjects go with it? Almost everything.

What degrees does it lead to? You can study Spanish on its own or in conjunction with accountancy, English, French, law and politics. The degree course will include a year in a Spanish-speaking country.

Will it set you up for a brilliant career? A language is an advantage in a host of professions, from business to botany. "Linguists are never short of a job," says Woolstone. "One of my ex-pupils is now a golf professional in Spain. His language skills gave him the edge over other equally talented golfers."

What do the students say? "I want to live in Spain ultimately. I love the laid back way of life," says Nicole Bedari, 17, who is also studying for A-levels in French, business and information technology at William Morris Academy, London. "Several of the books we've read have a magical element. One is Como Agua Para Chocolate (Like Water for Chocolate) by Laura Esquivel, which is about a grandmother who uses food to wield power over people's emotions."

Which awarding bodies offer it? AQA, CCEA, Edexcel, OCR and WJEC.

How widely available is it around the country? Very.

c.rudebeck@independent.co.uk