Spanish Vision Statement-

Spanish as a Modern Foreign Language is taught at Primary and Secondary level at HPS, which allows us to ensure a smooth transition from Key Stage Two to Key Stage Three. Our main objective is to promote the early development of linguistic competence and a positive introduction to lifelong language learning, as well as an understanding and appreciation of other nations and cultures. With Spanish being the second most widely-spoken language in the world, learning this subject will not only be a useful communication tool in life, but will also broaden our students’ horizons by improving their future enterprise and employability skills.

Within the MFL classroom, it is consistently emphasised that it is ok to make mistakes. This open environment allows students to grow in confidence and not feel intimidated when speaking in front of the class.  Opportunities for reflection are built in at regular intervals, and the curriculum is designed to build students’ independence and resilience.

A high ratio of target language is used in the classroom and we aim to expose students to authentic language use in real and practical situations to emphasise the value of language as a communication tool.

Students study Spanish twice a week at Key Stage 3 and have the opportunity to choose it as a GCSE option in Key Stage 4 many continue on to study it at A Level.

By the end of their time with us at HPS we aim to have installed confidence in students ability to converse with others, in both English and Spanish, and also develop students into ‘Global Citizens’ with a good understanding of different World Cultures.

Spanish  GCSE

Examination Board:

AQA

Assessment:

100% examination at the end of Year 11 in four parts with an equal weighting on Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

Candidates can be entered at either Foundation or Higher level depending on ability and performance.

What will you learn?

The course promotes a more independent approach to language study and there are opportunities for students to practise and develop both the language and skills acquired at Key Stage 3. The emphasis is on effective communication and students encounter a wider and more complex range of expression and grammar, whilst developing their independence and confidence with using verbs in the past, present and future time frames as appropriate. It also allows students to gain an insight into the varied lifestyle, traditions and culture in different Spanish-speaking countries.

The course consists of three key themes:

Theme 1:           Identity and Culture

Theme 2:            Local, national, international and global areas of interest

Theme 3:            Current and future study and employment

Who is this course for?

The course is aimed at all learners who wish to continue with their study of a language and who have enjoyed and valued their language learning to date. Successful language learners are:

• Effective communicators able to take the initiative
• Organised and confident
• Resourceful, imaginative and creative

All of the above equip learners with desirable skills for life and support them both in the subject and in other curriculum areas in school and beyond. Such skills include communication, problem-solving, decoding and analysing, translation, intercultural understanding, developing relationships, team work, confidence-building and memorisation.

What happens when you finish? (Career Pathway)

A language qualification is regarded as a measure of a broad and balanced curriculum and is one of the GCSEs which form part of the ‘English Baccalaureate’ or EBacc qualification. Languages are also highly desirable in terms of further and higher education and the work place.

A language qualification is often required, desirable or useful for jobs and careers in the following areas:

Engineering

Translation and interpreting

Civil Service and Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Sales and Marketing

International Journalism

Politics and Law

Trade and Commerce

Global Technology and Banking

Medicine

Armed forces

Teaching

International Events Organisation

Charitable Organisations

Leisure, Travel and Tourism

Documentary and Film Making

Fashion Industry

Language skills will be an asset for students whatever their future holds. Learning a language is, in itself, an enjoyable and rewarding experience; opening doors to all kinds of jobs and better prospects in an increasingly global world and socially in terms of leisure, travel and free‐time. Language learning is a lifelong skill and one which develops confidence, independence and an increased understanding of both other cultures and our own.