Spanish
Spanish, like French, is taught for two lessons a week. We do not assume that pupils have prior knowledge of this language, but previous study of a foreign language is beneficial to understanding structures and concepts.
Developing an authentic accent is an important objective from the outset and the course is taught primarily in Spanish, although the teacher will speak in English when dealing with grammar points and asking pupils to take notes.
Creativity is very important and pupils work in groups to write short sketches, which they then perform on the small stage, which is a unique feature in all three of our language classrooms.
Regular tests using our unique eAssessment system that maximises our use of Chromebooks, is not only effective in creating and recognising progress, it also takes the pressure off pupils by spreading the load throughout the year. There are four testing points four times a year in the separate language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. Pupils at this level have to prepare six PRQs (personal response questions) per testing period that they are able to adapt to suit their personality and opinion from the excellent scaffolded material we provide for them.
Course materials
The course is taught through electronic media and is based on our own regularly updated resources. We also use Scaffolding for Productive Language, which is unique to Farlington and a wide range of inspiring images. Our excellent video component is La tienda de Luis from Channel 4.
¡Vamos a decir hola!- Let’s say hello!
Names, greetings and asking how people are
Saying and asking about age
Dates and birthdays
Classroom instructions
Days of the week and the Spanish alphabet
IT computer components
Managing your Chromebook in Spanish
¡Vamos a conocernos! -Let’s get to know each other!
Countries and nationalities
Where you live and what languages you speak
Talking about and introducing your family
Talking about pets
Describing your eyes, hair, size and colour
¡Vamos al colegio! -Let's go to school!
Classroom objects
Describing school subjects, likes and dislikes
Giving opinions about school subjects
Asking the time and talking about timetables
Eating, drinking and meal times
Saying how you get to school
How will I be assessed?
You will always get plenty of feedback from your teacher as you go along, but there are also 4 assessment points as we progress through the seasons.
Autumn
We start off just before half term with an eChallenge. This is around 18 multiple choice questions that you complete in controlled conditions on your Chromebook.
Then after half term, you will have eAssessments in all four language skills. eListening, eReading and eWriting are all computer-based testing and your eSpeaking will be 4 out of 6 Personal Response Questions plus a question to the teacher via a video link.
Winter
We follow the same model in January, i.e. an eChallenge one week followed by eListening, eReading eWriting and eSpeaking on your latest learning.
Spring
In March we follow the same testing model as previous terms.
Summer
Because of our modular approach to assessment, there is no end of year summer exam as such, but you will have the usual eChallenge and eAssessments on the most recent material you have learnt.
Note the eSpeaking and eWriting will be before half term, and eListening and eReading in exam week after half term.
If you have any queries about this curriculum, please contact: Sra Gema Briggs, Head of Spanish, on gb@farlingtonschool.com