Year 7 students study both French and Spanish and spend approximately half the year on each. They then continue with both languages during Years 8 and 9. During the Spring term of Year 9, pupils and parents are asked to make their GCSE choices and, while a language is not compulsory, all pupils are encouraged to continue with one. We are of course, delighted to see enthusiastic linguists continue with both at GCSE.
Over the course of Key Stage 3, pupils study a range of topics in Spanish. In Year 7 these include the foundations such as phonics, the alphabet, classroom items, numbers and dates, family and pets within the broad context of self and family. In Year 8 pupils learn about free time and hobbies, home and local environment with more of an emphasis on verbs and grammar. Year 9 sees the introduction of technology, free time in the past tense, holidays and friendships/family life.
Throughout Key Stage 3, pupils learn a range of tenses and grammar points with the aim of confidently understanding and producing conversations and texts in the past, present and future tenses by the end of Year 9. We frequently practise the skills necessary for language learning: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing, Translation and Photo description. We also strive to raise awareness of cultural similarities and differences within the Hispanic communities. Students have the opportunity to participate in our annual European Day of Languages celebrations, the MFL Public Speaking Competition and biennial trips to Spain.
GCSE Spanish provides a solid foundation for progression onto other language studies, including A Level Spanish. Students gain a strong grounding in a range of vocabulary, tenses and higher-level structures.
As with Key Stage 3, we frequently practise the skills necessary for language learning with a focus on preparation for the GCSE examinations. We continue to raise awareness of cultural similarities and differences within the Hispanic communities and students are encouraged to participate in our annual European Day of Languages celebrations, the MFL Public Speaking Competition and biennial trips to Spain.
Students study the three following themes, on which the AQA GCSE assessments are based:
Theme 1: Identity and culture
Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest
Theme 3: Current and future study and employment
Typical activities
GCSE examinations
Four examinations in Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing, all worth 25% each. Pupils may sit the Foundation or Higher tier.
Summary
AS and A Level Spanish (AQA Syllabus) are designed to allow students to use their linguistic abilities to discuss, debate and express their own opinions on a variety of topics. Spanish at Key Stage 5 is a challenging yet greatly rewarding subject, especially for those students who wish to study Languages at University or complete a year abroad.
Course Details
Year 12
Theme 1: Aspects of Hispanic society: current trends (Traditional and modern values, Cyberspace, Equal rights)
Theme 2: Artistic culture in the Hispanic world (The influence of idols, Regional identity in Spain and Cultural heritage)
Prescribed film: El Laberinto del Fauno, Guillermo del Toro
Year 13
Theme 3: Multiculturalism in the Hispanic world (Immigration, Racism and Integration)
Theme 4: Aspects of political life in the Hispanic world (Today’s youth, tomorrow’s citizens, Monarchies and dictatorships and Popular movements)
Prescribed literary work: Como agua para chocolate, Laura Esquivel
Individual Research Project: Pupils select an area of personal interest to research in preparation for their Speaking exam
A Level examinations
GCSE Spanish Grade 6 if studied or; assessment of proficiency.
Combines well with all subjects. Often attracts a lower offer when combined with another subject at university.
