Spanish
Our Curriculum Aims:
“Do you know what a foreign accent is? It’s a sign of bravery.”
Amy Chua
The principal aim in teaching our students Spanish is promote and develop self-confidence and self-esteem, so they can communicate effectively in the Target Language. All students should be aware of the vast opportunities available to them if they have knowledge of Spanish. With over 580 million Spanish speakers worldwide and a language spoken in 22 countries, it is a highly respected and desired skill to be able to communicate in Spanish in today’s society. It undoubtedly helps foster an appreciation and respect for other cultures and people groups.
The Spanish curriculum here is ambitious and challenging, giving all pupils the chance to not only develop impressive language skills, but also to be more aware of cultural, moral and social aspects of everyday life in societies around the world. The topics covered in years 9-13 particularly promote good citizenship and equality, whilst also teaching a language. Examples of some topics studied include; wealth and poverty and the environment at GCSE; Franco’s dictatorship, racism and gender equality at A Level. No two lessons are the same in Spanish and students also learn skills that can be transferred to other subjects, it naturally being co-curricular, so all subjects studied can also be explored through the Spanish language. Language skills can aid those pursuing any career, for example in medicine, science, law, economics, history and many more.
Language cannot be accessed without culture, so we explore Spanish through film, music, online newspapers and a wide range of websites we subscribe to. Visiting Spain is an integral part of learning the Spanish language and we offer a one-week exchange trip to Barcelona for pupils in years 10,11, 12 and 13. There is a joint 6th form Art and Spanish trip to Madrid which has provided students who have different skills to come together and share their skill with one and other. We also offer a popular year 8 trip to Valencia at the end of the school year. Year 12 and 13 are encouraged to take part in the hugely successful Essay Writing Courses for A-Level; film workshops and taster days for studying Spanish at degree level at Manchester University and HOME cinema.
Key Stage Three Curriculum Overview
Year 7
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Key Content of the Topic | Assessment points | ||
HT 1 |
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Introduction to Spanish, personal details. Students will learn the following vocabulary: Students will learn the following grammar points: Students will learn the following culture: *Students will also learn Spanish phonics and how to pronounce words in Spanish. |
Vocabulary tests
Languagenut self testing
End of Unit 1 reading, writing, listening and grammar test Informal translation tests |
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HT 2 |
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Students will learn the following vocabulary: Students will learn the following grammar points: Students will learn the following culture: |
End of unit reading, listening and writing tests
Languagenut self testing
Vocabulary tests Informal speaking assessment |
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HT 3 |
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Students will learn the following vocabulary: Students will learn the following grammar points: Students will learn the following culture: |
End of Year reading, writing and grammar, listening tests. |
Year 8
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Name of topic |
Key Content of the Topic |
Assessment points |
HT 1 |
Introduction to diet and what you eat/drink
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Students will recap the following content: Students will learn the following vocabulary: Students will learn the following grammar points: Students will learn the following culture: |
Vocabexpress self testing
thisislanguage.com self testing
End of Unit reading, writing, grammar tests
Translation tasks in class Group speaking assessment; ordering food in a restaurant. |
HT 2 |
Revision of the year
Pre-GCSE preparations |
Students will recap the following content: Students will learn the following vocabulary: Students will learn the following grammar points: Students will learn the following culture: |
Vocabexpress self testing thisislanguage.com self testing End of Unit reading, writing, listening, grammar tests Speaking assessment-role-play in Spanish speaking country on holiday Translation tasks in class |
HT 3 |
Students will recap the following content: Students will learn the following vocabulary: Students will learn the following grammar points: Students will learn the following culture:Online habits of the Spanish speaking world. TV viewing habits of Spaniards, including examples of Spanish TV programmes and clips of these. |
Vocabexpress self testing thisislanguage.com self testing End of Unit reading, writing, listening, grammar tests Speaking assessment- Translation tasks in class |
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HT 4 |
Students will recap the following content: Students will learn the following vocabulary: Students will learn the following grammar points: Students will learn the following culture: |
End of Unit reading, writing, listening, grammar tests
Vocabulary tests
Group dialogue |
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HT 5 |
Students will recap the following content: Students will learn the following: |
End of Year exams in Listening, Reading, Writing and Translation |
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HT 6 |
Students will work on key areas of development that arose from the exams. They will practise these areas regularly. They will be introduced to new grammar points that they will need for GCSE Spanish. |
Peer assessment of cultural project work. |
Year 9 In Year 9 the topics are more in depth as it is the foundation GCSE course and so overlap half terms. Students are taught to go into more detail than in Key Stage 3 as they have more confidence and fluency.
Name of topic | Key Content of the Topic | Assessment points | |
Term 1 |
Family and relationships
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Students will recap the following content: Students will learn the following vocabulary: Students will learn the following grammar points: Students will learn the following culture: |
End of Unit 1 assessments- end of November Group speaking assessment-Mi familia |
HT 2 |
Technology in everyday life
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Students will recap the following content: Students will learn the following vocabulary: Students will learn the following grammar points: Students will learn the following culture: |
End of Unit assessments at the end of February. Speaking assessment- Creating a mobile phone app |
HT 3 |
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Students will recap the following content: Students will learn the following vocabulary: Students will learn the following grammar points: Students will learn the following culture: |
End of year exams |
HT4 | Customs and traditions |
Students revisit the “Family and Relationships” topic, now covering Higher Tier material. Students also engage in learning about different customs and traditions in Spain/ Latin America and different cultures within the autonomous regions of Spain. They will also complete grammar booklets ready for Year 10 Spanish. |
Class presentations on Spanish festivals |
HT5 | |||
HT6 |
What can parents do to support their sons?
Please check your son has completed his independent learning tasks and ensure he is using his text book/vocabulary glossary to help. All vocabulary lists should be revisited regularly.
All grammar notes in your son’s exercise book should be regularly revisited.
There are excellent language websites on O365:
www.vocabexpress.com-vocabulary learning interactive learning tool
www.kerboodle.com (on-line text book; foundation in Year 9) Digibook and interactive resources that accompany the AQA textbook.
www.languagesonline.org.uk : grammar and topic based vocabulary work
www.languagenut.com A comprehensive, competitive website which allow students to practise GCSE exam skills.
www.rtve.es On demand Spanish TV programmes/documentaries
www.netflix.com Spanish speaking TV programmes/films/documentaries
Any opportunity for your son to experience practising speaking Spanish would be a huge confidence booster for him eg: visiting the country or participating in the Spanish exchange to Barcelona and the summer trip to Valencia.
GCSE Course Followed: Spanish
Specification: AQA (Syllabus code 8698)
Why Choose GCSE Languages?
If you enjoy learning about different countries and cultures, communicating with other people, finding out how language works, then studying GCSE languages is an excellent choice for you! You will choose an MFL GCSE from the two languages you are currently studying at KS3 – why not consider choosing two?
Please note that Chinese is only open to those students currently studying Chinese as part of the curriculum at AGSB and who will sit the GCSE exam at AGSB at the end of Year 11.
There are many reasons for taking this GCSE:
- You will be able to share your interests, ideas and opinions with other people who speak French, German, Chinese or Spanish.
- You will learn about the country of your chosen language(s) and get a lot more out of a trip there.
- You will add an international dimension to your choice of GCSE subjects, which is something many future employers and higher education providers look for.
- You will learn many skills which are useful in a wide range of future careers, such as the ability to communicate clearly, being confident about speaking in public, using problem-solving strategies, etc.
- If you continue with languages beyond GCSE to A Level, you will be able to combine your language with many different subjects at University, e.g. Medicine, Law, Business and many more.
- You will create greater opportunities for yourself to work abroad, or for companies in the UK with international links. Many employers look for people who speak a foreign language.
What do I need to know?
You have started your GCSE course in Year 9 so you already know a lot of the vocabulary and grammar you’ll need for GCSE. You know how to talk about yourself, your family and friends, your hobbies, where you live, school, holidays, food and drink. You will build on these topics over the next two years, as well as moving on to new topics.
So you are already part way there!
Four skills are tested in a formal exam at the end of Year 11. Each skill is worth 25% of your total GCSE. You will be entered for either Foundation or Higher tier. The exams are set out below:
Listening:
You will answer questions on recorded material from different topic areas. Some material will be formal (for example a telephone message) and some informal (for example a telephone conversation between friends).
Reading:
You will answer questions about short texts on different topics in various forms such as text messages, adverts, emails and letters.
Speaking:
This exam will be conducted by your teacher. You will have range of activities to complete. You will take part in a role play with your teacher, you will answer questions about a photo and you will have a general conversation on a topic you have previously studied.
Writing:
There are three main tasks to complete. First you will write a short response to bullet points on a certain topic. You will then show off all of your language skills in a more detailed response to bullet points and finally you will translate a short passage from English into your chosen language.
What can I do after I have completed the course?
People with language skills and knowledge are highly thought of in the modern world. They stand out as talented and successful people, with broad and exciting horizons. Being able to speak more than one language has been scientifically proven to give people higher cognitive ability. Taking GCSE language(s) means you will have much more fun when travelling and be able to continue your language learning to A Level. You will add an extra dimension to your personal skills profile which will impress anyone who reads your CV and you will be in a stronger position to get a job in companies with international links or to work abroad. You will also be able to choose between many careers that you may not have previously thought of such as working as a calls interceptor for MI5, being responsible for international links in global companies or even opening new franchises in foreign countries. The options are endless!
Key Stage Four Curriculum Overview
Year 10
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Name of topic |
Key Content of the Topic |
Assessment points |
HT 1 |
My home and local area |
Students will recap the following content: Students will learn the following vocabulary: Students will learn the following culture: |
End of Unit assessments.
Weekly vocabulary tests.
Speaking preparation assessments |
HT 2 |
Social issues 1 |
Students will recap the following content: Students will learn the following vocabulary: Students will learn the following grammar points: Students will learn the following culture: |
End of Unit tests
Weekly vocabulary tests |
HT 3 |
Social issues 2 |
Students will recap the following content: Students will learn the following vocabulary: Students will learn the following grammar points: Students will learn the following culture: |
End of Unit tests
Weekly vocabulary tests |
HT 4 |
Travel and tourism |
Students will recap the following content: Students will learn the following vocabulary: Students will learn the following grammar points: Students will learn the following culture: |
Trial exam |
HT 5 |
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HT 6 |
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Year 11
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Name of topic |
Key Content of the Topic |
Assessment points |
HT 1 |
My studies |
Students will recap the following content: Students will learn the following vocabulary: Students will learn the following grammar points: Students will learn the following culture: |
Weekly vocabulary tests
End of Unit tests
Speaking preparation assessments
Trial Exams (including speaking exams)
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HT 2 |
Post 16 choices |
Students will recap the following content: Students will learn the following vocabulary: Students will learn the following grammar points: |
Weekly vocabulary tests
End of Unit tests
Speaking preparation assessments
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HT 3 |
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Students prepare for their GCSE German exams in the following ways: Revise every module |
GCSE exams |
HT 4 |
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HT 5 |
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HT 6 |
NA |
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GCSE exams |
Recommended Revision Guides for GCSE
CGP Complete revision and practice guide GCSE AQA (9-1) You are strongly advised to purchase this. AQA core vocabulary will be provided through syllabus. AQA vocabulary list. www.kerboodle.com www.vocabexpress.com www.vocabexpress.com
AQA GCSE Spanish Higher textbook (OUP).
Support available for GCSE Students
Pupils are mentored by year 13 prefects who practise their speaking: (role-play/photo cards and general conversation). There will be additional speaking practice Reading practice and listening practice at 12:20 starting in January.