Spanish
"I love commuting between languages just like I love commuting between cultures and cities" - Elif Safak
Why choose Spanish?
Ultimately, do you have the Spanish passion? Choosing Spanish at GCSE is an exciting option and will enrich your knowledge not only from a linguistic perspective, but also from a cultural perspective. Studying Spanish could open up opportunities at renowned higher education institutions and lead to an exciting multicultural and international career.
Therefore, if you have enjoyed learning Spanish in Year 9 and understand the need to be able to communicate in the increasingly competitive global job market of the future, we would very much like to continue teaching you at GCSE. A language is an excellent addition to any set of skills and facilities both work and study abroad.
The GCSE helps you to understand other countries, people and cultures and could lead to further study at a Higher Level. A-level Spanish is a challenging, but fun course and students have the opportunity to study literature and cinema of their chosen country. If you have one or two additional languages this will widen your chances of job opportunities both at home and abroad.
Welcome to Spanish
Head of MFL - Mrs L Essadok
Are you a world player with high career aspirations? Do you envisage a gap year volunteering in South America, translating on community projects building schools or helping the environment? Do you want to make more friends communicating with 500 million Spanish speakers worldwide?
A language is an excellent addition to any set of skills and facilitates both work and study abroad. The skills that are taught within the subject are very useful in work, study and life.
Being able to adapt to changing situations at work is useful in all careers from business and finance roles to team leadership and freelance work. Many jobs involve being able to work independently and the ability to make decisions and take the initiative and this is something that all employers prize in candidates. Problem Solving is part of a range of careers. Engineers, designers, medical professionals, social workers and teachers must all think creatively to overcome problems every day. Not just important for entrepreneurs, managers and HR professionals. Leadership is the ability to motivate your colleagues, customers and even your boss through calm, quiet confidence and competence.
Exam Board : AQA
Qualification Type: GCSE (EBacc subject)
Assessment : 3 exams, plus one internal assessment
Exam Length :
Paper 1 Listening: Written exam: (Foundation Tier) 35 minutes , (Higher Tier) 45 minutes
Paper 2- Speaking: (Foundation Tier) 7–9 minutes + preparation time / (Higher Tier) 10–12 minutes + preparation time
Paper 3- Reading: Written exam: (Foundation Tier) 45 minutes , (Higher Tier) 1 hour
Paper 4- Writing: Written exam: (Foundation Tier) 1 hour , (Higher Tier) 1 hour 15 minutes
What would help?
Anyone can choose this course, however you may find it easier to access if you are currently working at a Grade 4 at the moment in Y9 Spanish.
Course Content
The specification covers three distinct themes:
Theme 1: Identity and culture
Topic 1: Me, my family and friends / Relationships with family and friends / Marriage/partnership
Topic 2: Technology in everyday life / Social media / Mobile technology
Topic 3: Free-time activities / Music / Cinema and TV / Food and eating out / Sport
Topic 4: Customs and festivals in Spanish-speaking countries/communities
Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest
Topic 1: Home, town, neighbourhood and region
Topic 2: Social issues / Charity/voluntary work / Healthy/unhealthy living
Topic 3: Global issues / The environment / Poverty/homelessness
Topic 4: Travel and tourism
Theme 3: Current and future study and employment
Topic 1: My studies
Topic 2: Life at school/college
Topic 3: Education post-16
Topic 4: Jobs, career choices and ambitions
"I am finding spanish amazing, mostly due to the fact that it is full of challenges and different words which expand both my English and Spanish vocabulary." - Y10 student
Methods of Study
Lessons will follow the latest AQA course book and will focus on the 4 skills of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
Speaking and Listening will be given high priority and we encourage individual practice and learning both at school and at home.
A bilingual dictionary will be required. AQA revision guide and workbook are recommended.
"Hola! I like Spanish GCSE because it teaches you about your own language and about the culture of the language you are learning!" - Y11 student
Assessment
Assessment is by examinations at the end of Year 11. Examining Board: AQA. The following method of assessment is used:
Equal weighting is given to each of the four skills: Speaking (25%), Listening (25%), Reading (25%) and Writing (25%)
There will be two tiers of assessment for all four skills:Foundation Tier (Grades 1-5) and a Higher Tier (Grades 4-9).
Speaking examinations will be internally assessed at the end of Year 11.
Listening, Reading and Writing examinations take place in May of Year 11.
Here are some reasons why you might want to chose GCSE Spanish next year...