Spanish
As the American journalist Flora Lewis once said, “Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things, but learning another way to think about things.” The idea that language and thought are interlinked is not a new one. Spanish is the third most widely spoken language in the world - after English and Chinese. Learning Spanish will help you to perceive things in a different light and bring you closer to the rich cultural heritage of the Hispanic world. Pupils have the opportunity to begin studying Spanish in Year 9.
GCSE
With over 400 million people speaking Spanish, studying Spanish at GCSE is a wonderful opportunity to expand your academic knowledge. By demonstrating valuable transferable skills you can have a deeper understanding of Hispanic cultures. The Russell Group of universities (top 24 universities) recommends the studying of a foreign language at GCSE.
What will I learn at GCSE?
The course for Spanish GCSE is fun, fast-paced and highly rewarding. In the classroom you will learn not only the language but about Spain and Spanish speaking culture and societies. You will be encouraged to be brave and take risks in lessons; whether it be learning the language through authentic material or conversations with peers you will have plenty of opportunities to practise your Spanish. All GCSE students have the extra opportunity for one-to-one, or paired speaking practice in our compulsory weekly speaking session as part of your language and exam learning.
How is the course structured?
Pupils are assessed in four different elements: Listening, Reading, Written and Spoken Spanish. The course is divided into modules and topics: Identity and Culture, Local Area, Holiday and Travel, Education, Future Aspirations, Study and Work, International and global dimension. Each module is subdivided into different topics and grammar structures, relevant to each topic.
How is the course examined?
AQA Exam Board: At the end of Year 11 pupils will sit externally assessed exams depending on ability: Foundation or Higher Tier. Pupils are examined in all four aspects: Speaking is conducted internally by the subject teacher and assessed externally while the other three components, Listening, Reading and Writing are externally assessed.
A Level
A Level Spanish is a gateway to deepening an understanding of Spain: its diverse hispanophone cultures; enabling students to have breadth and knowledge of its history, culture and politics. A Level Spanish allows you to communicate in the world’s third most spoken language, ever more essential in our globalised world.
Prerequisites
You need to have achieved at least a grade 6 in your GCSE. In addition, you need to be a good communicator and be willing to express and share your opinions on lots of different topics. After all, that is what languages are for, communicating!
What will I learn?
You will gain an insight into the Spanish language and culture of Spain and Spanish speaking Latin America: family structure, customs and contemporary society; looking also at the impact of diversity. You will study the rich cultural heritage of Spanish-speaking countries, including music, cinema and explore the influence of the past on present-day Hispanic communities through texts and film. There is also an Independent Research Project related to your Spanish studies on a subject of your choice.
How is the course structured?
The course is linear and exams of all four skills are tested at the end of the second year. Lessons are in the target language, although the more complex structures will be explained in English. A set time for 1-1 Conversation is
timetabled and these sessions allow you to practise Speaking skills and familiarise yourself with the Independent Research Project, which you will undertake in Year 12 and complete at the end of Year 13. There is a great emphasis on class participation, research and presentations.
How is the course examined?
Exam board: AQA. The course is linear and assessment in the four skills of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking are at the end of Year 13. The Speaking exam is generally conducted by your class teacher and moderated externally.
What could I do next?
There are language courses on offer at all universities. Past pupils have studied Spanish with Arabic, Mandarin or Korean. Your Year Abroad could take you to fashion houses or galleries, enabling you to make further steps beyond university.