Why Study Spanish?

 

• To develop pupils' ability to use Spanish as an effective means of communication in both the spoken and written word.

• To introduce pupils to the culture and civilisation of Spain and Spanish-speaking countries, thus encouraging healthy and positive attitudes to others and increasing understanding and tolerance of these countries and peoples.

• To encourage pupils to visit Spain or to correspond by letter or e-mail with Spanish young people.

• To form a sound base of the skills, language and attitudes required for the world of work, further study, training and leisure

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Key Stage 3

 

Year 8

In Year 8 pupils learn how to greet people and give personal details about themselves. They learn the numbers, alphabet, days of the week, months of the year and how to talk about the weather. Pupils also learn to talk about their hobbies and their school.

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Year 9

In Year 9 pupils learn to talk about their family and how to give physical descriptions of themselves and others. They learn how to describe their house and local environment and to say what activities they like to do in their town. Pupils learn to tell the time in Spanish and to ask for tapas in a café.

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Year 10

In Year 10 pupils learn how to describe a past holiday, talk about their interest in Social Media and mobile phones, their favourite TV programmes and other hobbies. Pupils also learn how to ask someone out, talk about the chores they do and about their daily routine. They learn to express their opinion on clothes and learn how to describe their house, describe holiday activities and give directions.

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GCSE

 

Year 11 pupils must choose at least one modern language for GCSE. Some choose to study two languages.

These are the four units being assessed at GCSE:

• Unit 1: Listening (25% of the total GCSE)

• Unit 2: Speaking (25%)

• Unit 3: Reading (25%)

• Unit 4: Writing (25%)

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In GCSE we follow the CCEA GCSE Spanish course. All four skills are assessed externally at the end of the course, in May/ June of Year 12.

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Course Details

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Throughout the GCSE course pupils study 3 Contexts for Learning:

• Context for Learning 1: Identity, Lifestyle and Culture

• Context for Learning 2: Local, National, International and Global Areas of Interest

• Context for Learning 3: School Life, Studies and the World of Work

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Our textbook is called "AQA Spanish Higher" and is published by Oxford University Press. Pupils get a booklet in Year 11 which contains the Minimum Vocabulary prescribed by CCEA, along with Grammar notes, exercises and examples of Role-Plays.

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A Level

 

The Spanish course introduces a range of topics of interest to young people, and it aims to develop their confidence and competence in spoken, written, reading and responding skills. It seeks to promote a critical awareness and a positive attitude towards the society and culture of Spain. It provides students with a basis for further study at degree level by preparing them to use the language in both social and professional situations.

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Pupils study for AS level in Year 13 and may decide to continue on to A2 Level in Year 14. Pupils are expected to produce work at much greater depth and to research topics more independently. They are encouraged to read widely in the A Level topic areas and to compile a bank of information (vocabulary and phrases). They should avail themselves of resources within the department (visual, audiovisual, textual, Internet).

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AS Level: 40% of the full A Level course
Examining Board: CCEA Length of Course: 1 year
Exam Structure: 3 Units

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Unit 1: 15 minutes. External assessment/ Speaking test, conducted by an external examiner. 30% of AS, 12% of A Level
Unit 2: 2- hour exam: 40% of AS, 16% of A Level. There are three sections:
Section A: Listening
Section B: Reading and Translation
Section C: Grammar
Unit 3: 1-hour Writing exam: writing one structured response in Spanish to a set film. 30% of AS, 12% of A Level

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A2 Level: 60% of A Level
Examining Board: CCEA Length of Course: 1 year
Exam Structure: 3 Units

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Unit 1: 15 minutes. External assessment/ Speaking test, conducted by an external examiner. 18% of A Level
Unit 2: 2 hours 45- minutes exam: 24% of A Level. There are two sections:
Section A: Listening
Section B: Reading and Translation

Unit 3: 1-hour Writing exam: writing one structured response in Spanish to a set literary text. 18% of A Level

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A-Level pupils have weekly classes with our Spanish language assistant. In these lessons our pupils get an opportunity to use their oral skills when discussing topical issues, which is of great help when it comes to the oral exam.