Spanish

GCSE Spanish

Why carry on with Spanish?

Being able to communicate in a second language in this increasingly globally connected world is an enviable skill to have, and indeed, will put you at a distinct advantage, personally and professionally, over those people who can only speak their native language. Just have a look at the career paths it could take you down at the end of this factsheet!

Here are some other very good reasons!

• There are 21 countries where they speak Spanish. That’s 21 places to visit where you will be able to travel, understand and be understood. That’s a lot of holidays!
• There are over 400 million native‐speakers of Spanish, and 60 million who speak it as a second language in the world. If you want to be successful in their commercial environment, you will need to speak their language
• All these people are interesting, fun, and enjoy a rich cultural heritage, which is just waiting for you to explore!

Course Description

In year 10 you will have 4 lessons per fortnight, and 6 lessons over the two-week timetable in year 11. The AQA course revisits familiar topics and builds complexity of language. There are three main themes in which to develop these skills across the GCSE course:

Theme 1 – Identity and culture

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

Theme 3 – Current and future study and employment

How is the Course Assessed?

• Paper 1 Listening skills 25% - two sections, one of which to be answered in English and the other in the target language.
• Paper 2 Speaking 25% - This is an exam which will last between 7 – 12 minutes and will include a role play, photo card and general conversation.
• Paper 3 Reading 25% - An exam containing three sections similar to the listening exam with the inclusion of translation activities from the target language into English.
• Paper 4 Writing 25% - Learners will answer up to 4 questions including structured and unstructured writing tasks and translation from English into the target language.

Exams

All the assessments above will take place at the end of the GCSE course. All exams are tiered either Foundation or Higher and learners will be entered for the tiered course which is most appropriate to the ability they have demonstrated across the GCSE course, and which will be most likely to lead to them achieving their highest potential grade.

Home Learning

Regular home learning tasks will be set to build up knowledge and skills over the GCSE course in order to support students’ ability to answer both in English and in the target language with more spontaneity and variety. These will include written preparation, speaking practise and exam style questions, such as translation and grammar questions. It will also include the regular testing of vocabulary skills and core techniques in preparation for the final exams, which may be set online using Active Learn through Pearson and sites such as Quizlet.

Where could this qualification take me?

Where can it not take you?! Languages can open the door to endless employment and travel opportunities. You can enter the worlds of:

Business, politics, sales, buying, translation and interpreting, teaching, academic research, RAF and army officer level careers, international relations and many other areas value the GCSE Languages qualification, indeed it is essential for career progression in some areas. Also, as languages are so very important in today’s globally connected world, many universities, and all the Russell Group Universities, require a language to study on their degree courses.

Continuing Spanish at A-level is the next logical step after studying the GCSE. In order to get accepted at Bay House Sixth Form, you will need:

• Spanish – grade 5
• English Language – grade 4
• At least one grade 5 in another literate subject.

So, what are you waiting for? Go for it!!!

ííVamos!!