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GCSE Spanish (AQA 8658)

In today’s society it is incredibly important for students to appreciate and understand other cultures. Learning a language provides students with an advantage in the workplace and promotion prospects worldwide. In the current educational and commercial climate, we recommend that all students consider taking a language at Key Stage 4. Universities look highly favourably at students attaining a GCSE in a foreign language and some list it as part of entry requirements.

The language courses we offer provide students the opportunity to build their confidence, communication and ability in using a foreign language. All students have studied French or Spanish at Key Stage 3. We follow the AQA exam course and use the Pearson AQA course books as a teaching aid.

Students’ choices should be based on their enjoyment, levels of achievement, future career choices and interest in the country in which the language is studied.

To gain maximum enjoyment and the highest levels of achievement in this challenging GCSE course, students need to be organised, hardworking, willing to take a risk, enjoy a challenge and keen to learn more about French/Spanish culture and language.

Students will study topics such as:

Theme 1: Identity and culture

Theme 1: Identity and culture covers the following four topics with related sub-topics shown as bullet points:

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

Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest covers the following four topics with related sub-topics shown as bullet points:

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

Theme 3: Current and future study and employment covers the following four topics:

Topic 1: My studies

Topic 2: Life at school/college

Topic 3: Education post-16

Topic 4: Jobs, career choices and ambitions

5 Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to learn a language at Key Stage 4?

Although languages are not compulsory at The Roseland, we do strongly urge pupils to consider studying their language to GCSE. This not only gives them a balance of subjects moving forward, but also ensures they leave school with all the Ebacc subjects which is attractive to Universities and employers.

How is it assessed?

The GCSE language qualification covers 3 themes and students are tested in the four skill areas: reading, writing, listening and speaking. All four skills are equally weighted.

Is it difficult?

Yes. GCSE language is one of the most demanding GCSEs. There is a significant workload. Pupils will need to be organised and be prepared to organise their study to ensure they are working through the syllabus ‘little and often’.

Should my child do languages if they find it hard?

GCSE languages are hard BUT it is very satisfying to study a subject you enjoy - regardless of its inherent difficulty. Students who work hard and show resilience with their language learning will always benefit from their language study. It ultimately depends on how much a student loves the language and how much they get out of learning about it’s music, culture and people as well the advantages it will bring in future education and employment.

What if I want to take two languages?

Students currently study one language throughout Key Stage 3. This will be their option choice for KS4.

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