Higher Spanish

Languages equip you with many of the skills needed for life, work and learning. Knowledge of a language is vital in the job market where companies operate throughout the world. Many university and college courses offer combined degree courses i.e. engineering and a foreign language to meet the needs of employers.

When learning a foreign language you study the culture of the country which leads to a greater appreciation, respect and tolerance of how other people live; vital in today’s multi-cultural society. An ability to speak the language when on holiday allows you to integrate more fully into the foreign environment.

The study of a foreign language enhances social skills. Social interaction played out in the classroom can be transferred to real situations. Pupils become more confident and self- assured.

The Course offers pupils opportunities to develop and extend a wide range of skills. In particular, the Course aims to enable learners to develop the ability to:

• • read, listen, talk and write in a modern language

  • develop the language skills of translation

  • apply knowledge and understanding of a modern language

  • develop literary skills 

The contexts studied are: 

• Society – lifestyles, media –digital age, languages and their role, citizenship

• Learning – learning styles, lifelong learning, school, college, future plans

• Employability – interviews, CV, job skills, the world of work

• Culture – customs, holidays, literature, media – film and t.v

Writing Assignment - 20 marks

Pupils produce a written essay (200-250 words) based on one of the contexts with stimulus points given in English. The essay is discursive / persuasive and will provide both sides to an argument with a conclusion. Pupils are allowed access to a word glossary, grammar book and dictionary. This is done in class under exam conditions and pupils are allowed to redraft.

Pupils sit an external exam in May as follows:

Paper one - Reading and Directed Writing

Section One – Reading

Passage in the target language with questions to answer in English - 20 marks

Short translation into English - 10 marks

Section two - Directed Writing

Pupils will produce one written text of 150-180 words, relating to six bullet points. The pupil will choose one from two scenarios. The two scenarios will be taken from two of the contexts not covered in Reading or Listening - 20 mark

Paper two – Listening

Pupils listen to:

• • a monologue in the target language - 8 marks

  • dialogue in the target language - 12 marks 

Pupils answer questions in English.

Talking Assessment - 30 marks

A dialogue lasting 8-10 minutes covering two different contexts.

All assessment elements are scaled to ensure each of the skills -reading, writing, listening and talk - comprise 25% of the total mark.