Spanish is the official language of 21 countries and is spoken by over 420,000,000 native speakers. That makes it a global language and it gives those who speak it great opportunities which are not only work related, but also enriches their lives, by giving them access to many other cultures. It also helps those who learn it, to understand or discover new things about themselves. Through our teaching of Spanish, we aim to equip pupils to develop a wide range of skills that will enable them to communicate and relate to others. The broad Spanish curriculum uses current and important aspects  and it offers pupils the chance to relate to that. Pupils get the chance to develop a good understanding of  Spanish culture and traditions as well as the practices that will enable the development of their linguistic abilities. Pupils also learn to develop as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds. Thus, they become more tolerant and appreciative of the global diversity of cultures and languages.

Intent

We aim to develop pupils holistically (spiritually, physically, academically, and socially) and to enable them to know and understand Spanish culture, traditions and language.  Also, we encourage pupils to strive for academic success, physical vitality and to be good citizens.  In addition, we aim to facilitate social and cultural growth and life-long learning in all pupils.

Transferable Skills

Pupils get the chance to learn how to make oral presentations (fluency in speech, content, and structure), they have dialogues and get to compare and analyse the differences between different cultures. They learn to translate and interpret different topics and contexts.

Assessment Weighting

Pupils are assessed regularly; each half term,  during week two and week 4four, pupils write vocabulary tests on the current topic of study.  At the end of every half term, their grades are calculated as follows::

Tests : 60%

Classwork: 20% and

Homework: 20%.

For the final GCSE examination, at the end of Year 11 in May-June, pupils sit four different exams: Reading (25%), Writing (25%),

Listening (25%) and Speaking (25%).

Assessment

Pupils are assessed using quizzes and two key words tests, based on the topic of each half term. Past GCSE exam papers are also used as well as oral presentations, class dialogues replicating real life dialogues on a variety of contexts and topics of interest that are current. By understanding other cultures and traditions, their reflective and analytical skills are also developed. Pupils write two mock examinations – one at the end of Year 10 (June) and one at the end of the first term of Year 11 (November).

Differentiation – pupils needs are assessed and catered to through independent work, paired work and group work.

Cross-curricular: Business Studies, Citizenship, Maths, Geography,  English Language, PSHE and Religious Studies.

What skills, understanding and knowledge will pupils leave Spanish with?

Studying Spanish will equip pupils linguistically; will help them broaden their understanding of other cultures and traditions and will enable them to be more tolerant and respectful of diversity; it will also help them become better communicators and to develop practical skills that will also develop their IT and leadership skills.

Career Opportunities

·         Interpreter/Translator

·         Management/Human Resources

·         International Business

·         Spanish Teachers